Dexmedetomidine with nerve blocks to improve sleep after knee arthroscopy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial uses a 2×2 factorial design to test intraoperative dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg/h) with either femoral nerve block or adductor canal block in adults undergoing elective knee arthroscopy under general anesthesia. The primary outcome is postoperative sleep quality measured by PSQI at 24 and 48 hours. Participants receive either dexmedetomidine or placebo (normal saline) in combination with local anesthetic nerve blocks and ropivacaine. The study also explores whether the type of nerve block interacts with dexmedetomidine to affect sleep. Eligible patients are 18–85 years old, ASA I–III, BMI 18–30 kg/m², undergoing knee arthroscopy with complete perioperative data available.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 to 85 years.
2. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to III.
3. Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 30 kg/m² and body weight \> 50 kg.
4. Scheduled for elective knee arthroscopy under general anesthesia.
5. Complete preoperative workup, confirmed diagnosis, and indication for knee arthroscopy with complete postoperative medical records.
6. Normal mental and cognitive status.
7. Patient or legally authorized representative has provided written informed consent for anesthesia and study participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Refusal to participate in the study.
2. Inability to communicate effectively.
3. Known allergy or contraindication to any study drug (ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine, propofol, sufentanil, remifentanil, vecuronium, or sevoflurane).
4. History of knee trauma or knee surgery; diagnosed with immune system disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus); neuromuscular diseases or psychiatric disorders; restless legs syndrome (RLS); periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).
5. Coagulation disorders or local infection at the puncture site precluding peripheral nerve block.
6. Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction.
7. Severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency.
8. Pregnancy.
9. Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or requirement for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
10. Regular use of sedative-hypnotic drugs (benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, melatonin receptor agonists, etc.) or antidepressants/anxiolytics known to affect sleep architecture (e.g., trazodone, mirtazapine) within the past 1 month.
11. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score \> 5.

Where it's running

• The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University
  Nantong, Jiangsu, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ma XQ Ma Xia Qing, doctorate
• Email: lvy_Ma@ntu.edu.cn
• Phone: 0086-18118660387

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.