Comparing two pain relief techniques for knee surgery

Analgesic Efficacy of IPACK Versus Selective Tibial Nerve Block in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty Under Spinal Anesthesia With an Adductor Canal Block: a Randomized Controlled Double-blinded Trial

NA · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois · NCT06179641

This study is testing which of two pain relief methods works better for people having knee surgery to help them feel less pain after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (other)
Locations1 site (Lausanne, Vaud)
Trial IDNCT06179641 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two regional analgesia techniques, IPACK and selective tibial nerve block, in reducing postoperative pain for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Patients will receive spinal anesthesia along with an adductor canal block, followed by either the IPACK block or the selective tibial nerve block. The study will randomly assign 100 patients into two groups of 50, and postoperative pain scores and morphine consumption will be evaluated to determine which technique provides better pain relief.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to the anesthetics used or those with significant comorbidities such as renal or hepatic insufficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing knee surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with regional analgesia techniques, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* American Society of Anesthesiologists classification I-III
* 18 yo or older
* patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty under central spinal anesthesia
* informed consent signed

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal or inability for informed consent
* Known allergies to ropivacaine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ketorolac, morphine, ondansetron or dexamethasone
* Secondary surgical revision
* Opioid treatment such as morphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, tramadol, methadone, fentanyl, buprenorphine or codeine
* Bleeding diathesis
* Neurological deficit
* Known renal insufficiency (eGFR \<45 ml/min)
* Known hepatic insufficiency (Child score B or C)
* Alcohol abuse

Where this trial is running

Lausanne, Vaud

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: Analgesia, Arthropathy of Knee, Postoperative Pain, nerve block, pain management, postoperative pain

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.