Adductor canal block versus no block for kids having ACL reconstruction
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
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 |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06875427 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Adult studies of multimodal analgesia including adductor canal blocks have shown reduced opioid use and improved recovery, but pediatric-specific evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.