Non-narcotic pain control after ACL surgery

Non-Narcotic Pain Control After ACL Reconstruction

Phase 3 Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT06973785

This study is testing whether a non-narcotic pain medication called ketorolac can help people manage pain after ACL surgery just as well as the narcotic oxycodone.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Coral Springs, Florida and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06973785 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of oral ketorolac compared to oral oxycodone for pain management following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. It is a double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving two groups of patients, where one group receives ketorolac and the other receives oxycodone. The study aims to reduce the reliance on narcotics by documenting the number of patients who do not use any narcotics post-surgery. Participants will be monitored for their pain management needs and medication usage in the first 72 hours after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 15-55 who are undergoing primary autograft ACL surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing ACL reconstruction or those outside the age range of 15-55 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer pain management alternative that minimizes narcotic use after ACL surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in reducing narcotic use with non-narcotic pain management strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
* Male or female, aged 15-55 years
* Primary Autograft ACL surgery
* Ability to take oral medication and willingness to patriciate in a virtual 1 and 2 week follow-up pill counts

Exclusion Criteria:

* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for t the duration of the study
* Male or female, aged 15-55 years
* Primary Autograft ACL surgery
* Ability to take oral medication and willingness to patriciate in a virtual 1 and 2 week follow-up pill counts

Where this trial is running

Coral Springs, Florida and 2 other locations

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 ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament RuptureACL InjuriesaclNarcotic use
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.