Improving hip arthroscopy outcomes by reducing postoperative numbness

Does the Addition of a Traction Pad Reduce the Rate of Postoperative Pudendal Neuralgia?

NA · Northwestern University · NCT05038709

This study is testing whether using a special traction pad during hip surgery can help reduce numbness that patients feel afterward.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 88 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwestern University (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05038709 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of a traction pad during hip arthroscopic surgery to minimize postoperative perineal numbness. By applying traction to the operative leg through a perineal post, the researchers aim to enhance the working space for arthroscopy while reducing complications associated with traditional methods. The hypothesis is that using a traction pad in conjunction with standard traction tables will lead to a decrease in the incidence and duration of numbness experienced by patients post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients undergoing hip arthroscopy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital who can read and speak English.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing revision surgery, oncologic surgery, or those requiring regional anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve patient comfort and recovery following hip arthroscopy.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored traction techniques in arthroscopy, this specific approach using a traction pad is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients presenting to Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) or to a Northwestern orthopaedic surgery faculty member's clinic undergoing hip arthroscopy
* Ability to read and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Revision surgery
* Oncologic surgery
* Use of regional anesthesia
* Arthroscopic hip surgery that involves procedures other than labral repair, acetabuloplasty, CAM-plasty, IT band windowing, Iliopsoas lengthening

Where this trial is running

Chicago, 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hip Osteoarthritis, Hip Injuries, Hip Sprain, Hip Strain, arthroscopy, traction

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.