Adding dexmedetomidine to spinal bupivacaine for pain relief during knee surgery

The Analgesic Effect of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine With Bupivacaine, in Patients Undergoing Knee Orthopedic Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blinded Dose-Finding Trial

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT07522736

This trial tests whether small intrathecal doses of dexmedetomidine added to spinal bupivacaine can prolong pain relief after knee surgery in adult men.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT07522736 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional trial compares three intrathecal doses of dexmedetomidine (4, 8, and 12 μg) given with hyperbaric bupivacaine for patients undergoing knee orthopedic surgery. The primary outcome is duration of analgesia and the secondary outcome is the profile of adverse effects. Male adults aged 18–65 with ASA physical status I–II are eligible and receive a single spinal anesthetic with the assigned adjunct dose. The study is conducted at a single center (Cairo University) and monitors postoperative pain duration and safety measures without increasing the local anesthetic dose.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are male adults aged 18–65 with ASA I–II scheduled for knee orthopedic surgery who have no contraindications to regional anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients who are female, outside the 18–65 age range, have contraindications to regional anesthesia, a history of hypersensitivity to the drugs, psychiatric disorders, or recent opioid/CNS depressant use are unlikely to qualify or benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding intrathecal dexmedetomidine could provide longer-lasting spinal anesthesia and reduce the need for postoperative opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical reports have shown that dexmedetomidine as an intrathecal adjunct can enhance and prolong analgesia, though optimal dosing strategies remain under study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age from 18 to 65 years.
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II.
* Male patients scheduled for knee orthopedic surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with psychiatric disorders.
* History of drug addiction.
* Contraindication for regional anesthesia.
* History of hypersensitivity to the study drugs.
* Previous administration of opioids and/or other central nervous system depressants during current hospital admission.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intrathecal DexmedetomidineBupivacaineKnee Orthopedic Surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.