Effects of Buprenorphine, Clonidine, and Dexamethasone on Pain Management After Shoulder Surgery

Effects of a Triple Adjuvant Combination of Buprenorphine, Clonidine, and Dexamethasone on Duration of Brachial Plexus Blocks for Upper Extremity Surgery, a Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Loyola University · NCT05824832

This study is testing if adding buprenorphine, clonidine, and dexamethasone to a common pain relief method can help people manage pain better after shoulder surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLoyola University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Maywood, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05824832 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of adding buprenorphine, clonidine, and dexamethasone to Interscalene brachial plexus blocks on postoperative pain management in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy. A total of 120 patients will be randomly assigned to receive either the enhanced block with adjuvants or the standard block alone. The primary outcome is to assess differences in morphine requirements post-surgery between the two groups. This prospective, randomized, single-blinded study seeks to determine if the addition of these medications can improve pain control.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for shoulder arthroscopy and are willing to participate.

Not a fit: Patients with severe COPD, chronic pain requiring daily opioid use, or those with contraindications to general anesthesia 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 upper extremity surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches in enhancing pain management after surgical procedures.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients ≥ 18 years old
* Patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy
* Patients willing to participate and sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe COPD/other contraindication to general anesthesia
* Patient with a weight of less than 60 kg
* Dementia, not alert or oriented to person, place, or time
* Chronic pain patient with daily opioid use at home.
* Patient with allergy to local anesthetics
* Patient refusal
* Total shoulder arthroplasty
* Concomitant pain in different area from operative site.
* Pregnancy
* Patient with active infection on the injection sites for the blocks
* Patients unable or willing to understand or comply with the study protocol

Where this trial is running

Maywood, Illinois

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 Pain, Postoperativebuprenorphineclonidinedexamethasonebrachial plexus blockspainshouldersurgery
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.