Comparing two types of nerve blocks for knee surgery in children

A Pilot Study Comparing Anterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Blocks to Adductor Canal Blocks in Pediatric Ambulatory Knee Surgeries

Phase 4 Interventional Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT06590402

This study is testing which type of nerve block works better for pain relief in children aged 8-18 having knee surgery for ligament repairs.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital for Special Surgery, New York Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06590402 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of anterior femoral cutaneous nerve block (AFCNB) versus adductor canal block (ACB) in pediatric patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. The study will assess postoperative functional outcomes, opioid requirements, pain intensity levels, sensory deficits, and patient-reported outcomes in children aged 8-18 years. By collecting this data, the researchers hope to inform a larger randomized controlled trial to further investigate these anesthesia techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8-18 years who are undergoing ACL or MPFL reconstruction and weigh 40 kg or more.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing revision surgery, bilateral surgery, or those with contraindications to the study protocol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited literature on this specific comparison, similar studies have explored peripheral nerve blocks in pediatric orthopedic procedures, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 8-18 years old at the time of surgery
* Patients 40kg and above
* ACL reconstruction of MPFL reconstruction surgery with participating surgeons

Exclusion Criteria:

* revision surgery
* bilateral surgery
* general anesthesia
* contraindications to any part of the study protocol
* relevant pre-existing neurological deficit
* chronic pain

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.
Conditions Anterior Cruciate Ligament ReconstructionMedial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.