Comparing BiFeS and iPACK nerve blocks for pain after knee replacement
Official title: Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Effects of Two Different Anesthesia Techniques in Knee Arthroplasty: Nerve Blocks Named BiFeS and iPACK
Run by Amasya University · NCT07360392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test if adding the BiFeS nerve block to an adductor canal block controls pain and reduces opioid use more than adding the iPACK block in people having total knee replacement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Amasya University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amasya) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07360392 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with ASA physical status I–III scheduled for unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty who can receive regional anesthesia and comply with follow-up are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients scheduled for revision or bilateral arthroplasty, those with peripheral neuropathy, chronic opioid use, coagulopathy, or contraindications to regional blocks are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
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, randomized, double-blind, parallel two-group trial enrolling patients scheduled for unilateral total knee arthroplasty. All participants receive an adductor canal block (ACB) and are randomized 1:1 to receive either the iPACK block or the newer BiFeS (biceps femoris short head) fascial plane block, which targets posterolateral knee sensory innervation while sparing motor function. Postoperative outcomes include visual analog pain scores, opioid consumption, early mobilization measures, and quality of recovery (QoR-15). The trial aims to compare analgesic efficacy and functional recovery between the two motor-sparing block combinations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide better pain relief with less opioid use and faster early mobilization while preserving leg muscle strength.
How similar studies have gone: Combinations of motor-sparing blocks such as ACB plus iPACK have shown improved pain control in prior trials and meta-analyses, but the BiFeS block is a novel technique with limited prior clinical data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Scheduled for unilateral total knee arthroplasty * Classified as ASA physical status I-III Exclusion Criteria: * Scheduled for revision arthroplasty or bilateral surgery * Allergy to local anesthetics or contraindication to regional blocks * Neurological disorders, peripheral neuropathy, or conditions affecting lower extremity muscle strength * Coagulopathy or receiving anticoagulant therapy * History of severe liver, kidney, or heart failure * Chronic opioid use or history of substance abuse * Patients experiencing intraoperative complications (e.g., excessive bleeding) * Cases in which adequate sensory blockade is not achieved after the block
Where it's running
-
Amasya University Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Training and Research Hospital
Amasya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bülent M Çam, MD
- Email: bulentmericcam@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 534 8156011
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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.