Dexamethasone reduces pain and nausea after hip surgery

Perioperative Dexamethasone Reduces Postoperative Pain and Nausea After Periacetabular Osteotomy- a Double-blinded Placebo Controlled RCT

Phase 3 Interventional Balgrist University Hospital · NCT05120076

This study tests if giving dexamethasone before and after hip surgery can help reduce pain and nausea for patients undergoing the procedure.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorBalgrist University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich)
Trial IDNCT05120076 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of perioperative intravenous dexamethasone in reducing postoperative pain and nausea in patients undergoing elective periacetabular osteotomy. The study involves a double-blinded, prospective randomized control design, comparing a group receiving dexamethasone to a control group receiving a placebo. The primary outcomes include pain levels, opioid consumption, postoperative nausea, and patient satisfaction. Up to 60 patients will be enrolled, all of whom will receive general anesthesia for the procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for elective periacetabular osteotomy.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain conditions, those on steroid or immunosuppressive drugs, or those with certain medical contraindications will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve postoperative recovery by reducing pain and nausea, leading to lower opioid use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for the use of dexamethasone in reducing postoperative pain and nausea, particularly in total hip replacement surgeries.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* General anasthesia
* Elective periacetabular osteotomy for any reason
* Written informed consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form)
* Competent German language skills

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic pain patient, chronic lower back pain
* Steroid or immunosuppressive drugs used within 6 months of surgery
* Renal failure, hepatic failure
* Relevant allergies
* Pregnancy/ Breast feeding
* Contraindications for Fortecortin treatment according to Swissmedic
* Previous enrollment into the current study
* Participation in another study with investigational drug within the 30 days preceding and during the present study
* Known or suspected non-compliance, drug or alcohol abuse Illness according to "Warnings and Precautions of Dexamethasone and NaCl"

Where this trial is running

Zurich

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 PainPostoperative NauseaAmount of Postoperative Opioid Use in Milligrams
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.