Adductor canal block versus no block for kids having ACL reconstruction
Official title: Comparing Preoperative Adductor Canal vs. No Block for Quality of Recovery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Patients Younger Than 18 Years of Age: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
Run by McMaster University · NCT06875427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether a single-shot adductor canal nerve block during anesthesia helps kids and teens (ages 10–18) recover better after ACL reconstruction.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 10 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06875427 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 10–18, ASA I–III, scheduled for ACL reconstruction who agree to regional anesthesia and follow-up assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to adductor canal block (including coagulopathy, preexisting neurologic deficit, significant comorbidities, history of malignant hyperthermia), those who refuse regional techniques, or those unable to complete questionnaires are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled feasibility trial will assign pediatric patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction to receive either a single-shot adductor canal block plus standard general anesthesia or standard general anesthesia without a regional block. The block uses ultrasound-guided injection of ropivacaine (2–2.5 mg/kg) with dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg). The primary outcome is Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) measured on postoperative days 2, 14, and 42. Secondary outcomes include total opioid consumption, PACU length of stay, pain scores at rest and with movement during postoperative phone calls, and patient satisfaction at two weeks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding a single-shot adductor canal block could reduce postoperative pain and opioid use and improve early recovery after pediatric ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have gone: Adult studies of multimodal analgesia including adductor canal blocks have shown reduced opioid use and improved recovery, but pediatric-specific evidence is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients ASA I, II and III * 10-18 years of age * scheduled for ACL reconstruction * agreeable to regional block and follow-ups Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to adductor canal block. * Patients with coagulopathies, preexisting neurologic deficit * Significant comorbidities that may impact recovery or interfere with the study. * Refusal to regional techniques. * Moderate to severe cognitive deficit (patients who are unable to complete the questionnaire) * Patients with history of malignant hyperthermia
Where it's running
-
McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Isabella Jaramillo, MD
- Email: jaramilc@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 905-379-9241
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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.