Comparing two nerve-block combinations to reduce pain after total knee replacement
Comparison of Distal IPACK and Popliteal Plexus Block Combined With Femoral Triangle Block After Total Knee Arthroplasty
NA · Karaman Training and Research Hospital · NCT07130552
This test compares whether adding a distal IPACK block or a popliteal plexus block to a femoral triangle block reduces pain after total knee replacement.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Karaman Training and Research Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Karaman) |
| Trial ID | NCT07130552 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional trial randomizes patients having total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia to receive a femoral triangle block combined with either a popliteal plexus block (PPB) or a distal IPACK block as part of multimodal analgesia. Postoperative pain scores at rest and with movement, opioid consumption, and early functional outcomes will be recorded to compare analgesic effectiveness. The IPACK involves ultrasound‑guided infiltration between the popliteal artery and the posterior knee capsule and has been linked to lower pain and opioid needs, while PPB is a newer technique targeting posterior knee innervation. The goal is to identify which block combination gives better posterior‑knee pain relief with minimal motor impairment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults scheduled for total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia with ASA I–III who can give informed consent are suitable candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with GFR <50 ml/min, daily long‑term opioid use, lower‑extremity neurological disorders, allergy to local anesthetics, or other contraindications to peripheral nerve blocks may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have less postoperative pain, reduced opioid use, and faster functional recovery after knee replacement.
How similar studies have performed: IPACK has been associated with reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption in prior work, whereas the popliteal plexus block is promising but lacks head‑to‑head comparison with distal IPACK.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status I-III * Patients who give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients unable to cooperate * Kidney disease with GFR \< 50 ml/min * Daily opioid consumption \> 1 month * Allergy to local anesthetics * Neurological problems of the lower extremity * Contraindications to peripheral nerve blocks
Where this trial is running
Karaman
- Karaman Training and Research Hospital, Karaman, Karaman 70200 — Karaman, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tayfun Et
- Email: drtayfunet@gmail.com
- Phone: +905063670717
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.
Conditions: Osteo Arthritis of the Knee, Total knee arthroplasty, popliteal plexus block, femoral triangle block, iPACK block