Comparing two anesthetic techniques for total knee replacement

Expanding the Peri-operative Surgical Home Model: ERAS TKR With a Transitional Pain Service (TeleTPS)- Continuous Adductor Canal Catheter Versus Adductor Canal Block for Total Knee Arthroplasty, a Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial

NA · Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT03747146

This study is testing two different ways to manage pain during total knee replacement surgery to see which one helps patients recover better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment94 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital for Special Surgery, New York (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT03747146 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares two anesthetic techniques for patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a single-shot adductor canal block or a continuous adductor canal block catheter in addition to a peri-articular injection and an IPACK block. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in managing postoperative pain. The study aims to enhance recovery after surgery by optimizing pain management strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking patients aged 18 to 65 with osteoarthritis scheduled for total knee arthroplasty who live within one hour of the hospital.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities, chronic pain conditions, or those undergoing general anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and faster recovery for patients undergoing total knee replacement.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar anesthetic approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with osteoarthritis scheduled for a primary total knee arthroplasty with a participating surgeon
* Planned use of regional anesthesia
* Ability to follow study protocol
* English speaking (secondary outcomes include questionnaires validated in English only)
* Lives within one hour of the hospital
* Has a smart phone

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hepatic or renal insufficiency
* Younger than 18 years old or older than 65 years ol
* Patients undergoing general anesthesia
* Allergy or intolerance to one of the study medications
* BMI \>40
* Diabetes
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status III or IV
* Chronic gabapentin/pregabalin use (regular use for longer than 3 months)
* Patients with chronic pain (from a referral to chronic pain service) or a pain catastrophizing scale (PCS \>30)
* Patients with severe valgus deformity or flexion contracture
* Patients unable to follow home catheter instructions and unwilling to go home with an infusing catheter
* Patients who have no home caregivers in the event that a catheter is to be sent home with the patient
* Patients with planned stay at rehab facility (to avoid medical device being tampered with at the rehab facility)
* Non-English speakers (secondary outcomes include questionnaires validated in English only)

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anesthesia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.