Minimum Ropivacaine Dose for Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Block Targeting the C7 Nerve
Official title: Minimum Effective Dose of Ropivacaine 0.5% for Ultrasound-guided Interscalene Block Targeting the C7 Nerve Root in Hand and Forearm Surgery
Run by Huazhong University of Science and Technology · NCT07326943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test the lowest dose of ropivacaine that provides an ultrasound-guided interscalene (C7-targeted) nerve block for adults having hand or forearm surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 56 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Huazhong University of Science and Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taiyuan, Shanxi) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07326943 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–60 years old with ASA I–II, BMI 18–30 kg/m2, and scheduled for hand or forearm surgery who can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with peripheral nerve disease, pregnancy, obstructive or restrictive lung disease, coagulation dysfunction, local infection at the puncture site, long-term opioid use, or ropivacaine/lidocaine allergy are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center interventional study uses ultrasound-guided interscalene (intermuscular groove) blocks aimed at the C7 nerve root to identify the minimum effective ropivacaine dose for adults undergoing hand or forearm surgery. Participants who meet inclusion criteria will receive C7-targeted blocks with differing ropivacaine doses and be monitored for block success, ulnar nerve coverage, duration of analgesia, and adverse events. Patients with contraindications such as pregnancy, obstructive or restrictive lung disease, coagulation dysfunction, local infection, or known local anesthetic allergy are excluded. The primary outcome is the smallest dose that reliably produces adequate sensory-motor block for the planned surgery while minimizing side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a lower ropivacaine dose that provides reliable C7-targeted analgesia with reduced drug exposure and fewer side effects while improving ulnar nerve coverage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous reports showed C6-targeted interscalene blocks achieved high ulnar nerve block rates (about 93% with 10 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine) whereas C5 targeting was much less effective, but minimum effective dosing specifically for C7-targeted blocks is not well established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age range: 18-60 years old * ASAⅠ\~II * BMI between 18 and 30kg/m2 * Patients undergoing hand or forearm surgery * Sign informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to participate in the experiment * Merge peripheral nerve diseases * Lidocaine and ropivacaine allergy * Pregnant women * Obstructive or restrictive lung disease * Coagulation dysfunction * Long term use of opioid drugs * Infection, tumor or surgical history at the puncture site
Where it's running
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Shanxi Bethune Hospital
Taiyuan, Shanxi, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Huailiang LI,
- Email: 574199674@qq.com
- Phone: 86+18834183517
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.