Nerve block for pain relief after knee surgery
Official title: Genicular Nerve Block for Analgesia After Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Chicago · NCT06639503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a new nerve block method can help people feel less pain after knee surgery for tibial plateau fractures compared to the usual numbing injection.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 14, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06639503 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who are scheduled for open reduction internal fixation of an acute isolated tibial plateau fracture.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with complex medical histories, such as chronic pain syndromes or substance abuse disorders, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research investigates improved pain management techniques following knee surgery for tibial plateau fractures. The study compares the standard method of injecting numbing medication around the surgical incision with a novel approach of administering a nerve block to target pain in a larger area of the knee. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment, and their postoperative pain levels will be monitored. This nerve block technique is commonly used for other knee-related procedures but is considered experimental in this specific context.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better pain control and improved recovery experiences for patients undergoing knee surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While similar nerve block techniques have shown success in other knee surgeries, this specific application is considered experimental and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Any adult patient (ages 18 and over) undergoing open reduction internal fixation of an acute isolated tibial plateau fracture Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects younger than 18 * Polytraumatized Subjects * Subjects with pathologic fractures * Subjects with tibial plateau fractures treated nonoperatively * Subjects with tibial plateau fractures treated operatively but with re-operations at the same site * Subjects with open fractures * Subjects with fracture-dislocations * Subjects with active or history of anxiety * Subjects with visual analog scale anxiety score ≥ 7 measured preoperatively * Subjects with chronic pain syndromes * Subjects with chronic opioid use * Subjects with illicit drug use disorder * Subjects with alcohol abuse disorder * Subjects with kidney disease precluding use of ketorolac * Subjects with liver disease precluding the use of acetaminophen * Subjects with allergy to acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opiates or local anesthesia * Subjects with inability to provide a visual analog scale score postoperatively * Subjects with contraindications to receiving peripheral nerve blocks, including relevant neurologic deficits, active infection at sites of injections - re-operation at the same site
Where it's running
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anthony Christiano, MD — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Anthony Christiano, MD
- Email: anthony.christiano@bsd.uchicago.edu
- Phone: 773-834-3531
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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.