Adding targeted posterior knee nerve blocks to the adductor canal block for pain control after total knee replacement
Official title: Comparison of the Effectiveness of "Sciatic Nerve", "Biceps Femoris Short Head (BiFeS)" and "Interspace Between the Popliteal Artery and the Capsule of the Posterior Knee (IPACK)" Blocks Added to the Adductor Canal Block for Postoperative Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Run by Erzincan University · NCT07242170 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding one of three different posterior knee nerve blocks to a standard adductor canal block reduces pain and opioid use for adults having a single total knee replacement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 102 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Erzincan University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Erzincan, Merkez) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07242170 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–75 years old with ASA physical status I–III scheduled for elective unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty at the enrolling hospital are appropriate candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients having revision or bilateral knee arthroplasty, ASA IV or higher, neuromuscular disease, significant neurological dysfunction, bleeding diathesis, pregnancy, or those unable to consent are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolling about 102 adults aged 18–75 undergoing elective unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty. All participants receive a standard adductor canal block and are randomized to receive one of three supplementary posterior knee blocks (sciatic, BiFeS, or IPACK) performed under ultrasound guidance. Outcomes include postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, motor function, early mobilization, and block-related complications measured through the immediate postoperative period and early recovery. The protocol follows institutional ethics approval and written informed consent with standard spinal anesthesia used for surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide better pain relief after knee replacement with lower opioid needs and preserved motor function to aid earlier mobilization.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows the sciatic block is effective for posterior knee pain but causes motor weakness, while motor-sparing techniques like IPACK have promising results; the BiFeS block is a newer approach with limited published data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III * Patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty * Patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty * Patients between 18 and 75 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status IV or higher * Patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty * Patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty * Patients with neuromuscular disease * Patients who decline to participate in the study * Patients with cognitive dysfunction * Patients with known drug allergies * Patients with a history of local anesthetic systemic toxicity * Patients with neurological dysfunction * Patients with bleeding diathesis * Pregnant patients
Where it's running
-
Erzincan Binali Yıldırım Üniversitesi
Erzincan, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: mustafa somunkıran, anesthesiology resident
- Email: msomunkran@gmail.com
- Phone: +905536327870
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.