Comparing two types of nerve blocks for knee surgery

Subsartorial Saphenous Nerve Block (SSNB) Versus Femoral Nerve Block (FNB) in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) Combined With Infiltration Between Popliteal Artery and Capsule of the Knee (IPACK) - Where Are the Benefits?

NA · Luzerner Kantonsspital · NCT06074744

This study is testing which type of nerve block works better for pain control and recovery in people having knee surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLuzerner Kantonsspital (other)
Locations1 site (Lucerne)
Trial IDNCT06074744 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Subsartorial Saphenous Nerve Block (SSNB) combined with IPACK against Femoral Nerve Block (FNB) with IPACK in patients undergoing primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and the study will assess various outcomes including muscle power output, pain control, mobility, and patient satisfaction. The trial is designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, single-center study with a total of 144 participants. The nerve blocks will be administered by trained anesthesiologists, and the surgical procedure will follow standard protocols.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for primary Total Knee Arthroplasty and have a BMI of 35 kg/m² or less.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those under 18 years old, those undergoing revision TKA, or those with significant comorbidities that contraindicate the interventions.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar nerve block techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* age \> 18yrs
* primary TKA
* BMI 35kg/m2 or less
* able to give informed consent as documented by signature
* clinical history without any contraindications for the planned intervention

Exclusion criteria:

* age \< 18 years
* revision-TKA
* BMI \>35kg/m2
* absent contact information
* inability or contraindications to undergo the investigated intervention (TKA, FNB, SSNB), - clinically significant concomitant diseases
* pregnancy
* inability to follow the procedures and follow-up procedures of the study (e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, living abroad, etc.
* withdrawal from the study

Where this trial is running

Lucerne

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: Joint Diseases, Joint Pain, Subsartorial Saphenous Nerve Block, Femoral Nerve Block, Total Knee Arthroplasty

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.