Lateral, Anterior, Medial (LAM) femoral cutaneous block for thigh donor-site pain
The Lateral, Anterior, Medial (LAM) Femoral Cutaneous Block: A Case Series Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA
This tries to see if a LAM nerve block can numb the anterolateral thigh and reduce donor-site pain without weakening leg muscles in adults having split-thickness skin grafts.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT07221903 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will map the skin sensation changes after administering a LAM nerve block in adults who are having split-thickness skin grafts with a thigh donor site. The observational case series will record the size and consistency of areas with decreased sensation after the block and document any changes in motor function. Patients are enrolled when their surgical team requests a LAM block and exclusions include preexisting femoral nerve deficits, pregnancy, TBSA ≥20%, severe polytrauma, or inability to report sensation. All procedures take place at Harborview Medical Center and no experimental drugs are given beyond the local anesthetic used for the block.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) scheduled for split-thickness skin grafting with a thigh donor site whose care team plans to use a LAM nerve block and who can report sensation changes are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with preexisting sensory or motor deficits in the femoral distribution, large burns (TBSA ≥20%), prolonged surgeries, contraindications to local anesthetics, inability to communicate, pregnancy, or incarceration are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the LAM block could reduce donor-site pain while preserving leg motor function after split-thickness skin grafting.
How similar studies have performed: The LAM block is relatively new and evidence is limited to early reports and case series, while broader blocks like the fascia iliaca are established but commonly cause motor weakness.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years or older 2. Scheduled surgery for STSG w/ donor site coming from thigh 3. Care team requests LAM nerve block 4. Anticipated postop pain in the cutaneous areas of anterior and lateral thigh Exclusion Criteria: 5. Inability to communicate sensation or motor changes in their body 6. Preexisting sensory or motor deficits in the femoral nerve distribution 7. Contraindication to the medication used or a peripheral nerve block, such as allergy to amide local anesthetics, severe liver dysfunction, injection site infection etc 8. Pregnancy 9. Prisoners 10. Non-English Speaking/reading 11. Surgeries with anticipated or actual duration of 6 hours or longer 12. TBSA 20% or greater 13. Severe distracting injuries/polytrauma (e.g., large or significant bone fractures)
Where this trial is running
Seattle, Washington
- Harborview Medical Center — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dorothy Wang, MD, MHA — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Adrienne James
- Email: ajames1@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-744-4634
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.