Opioid tapering before knee or hip replacement surgery

Developing and Testing an Opioid Taper Intervention Before Total Knee Arthroplasty: Phase 2 Intervention Development

NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05788016

This study is testing a new way to help people lower their opioid use before knee or hip replacement surgery by working with a pharmacist who provides education and support.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham (other)
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT05788016 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to develop a pharmacist-led intervention to taper opioid use in patients scheduled for total knee or hip arthroplasty. Participants will receive education on pain management and opioids from a clinical pharmacist, who will create a personalized taper schedule. Weekly follow-ups will be conducted via phone to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the tapering plan. The study seeks to determine the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention, as well as its effectiveness in reducing opioid doses preoperatively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients planning to undergo primary, unilateral total knee or hip arthroplasty who are currently taking stable doses of oral opioids.

Not a fit: Patients using certain opioid medications like buprenorphine, methadone, or long-acting formulations will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help reduce opioid dependence in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, leading to better postoperative outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in opioid tapering interventions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* decided to pursue primary, unilateral total knee or hip arthroplasty with planned surgery date in 4-8 weeks
* currently taking between 20 and 90 MME of oral opioids, and that dose has been stable for at least 3 months
* have a reliable telephone number for contact
* speaks English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Taking opioid medications that include:

  * Buprenorphine
  * Methadone
  * Long-acting formulations of opioid pain medications (e.g., extended-release oxycodone and extended-release morphine)
  * Transdermal formations of opioid pain medications (e.g., fentanyl patches)

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

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: Arthritis Knee, Arthritis Hip, Chronic Pain, Opioids

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.