Popliteal nerve block for repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture
The Effects of Popliteal Nerve Block on Pain and Nerve-Related Symptoms After Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether adding a popliteal nerve block to standard pain medicines reduces postoperative pain and opioid use for adults having acute Achilles tendon repair.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Women's College Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06886815 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial at Women's College Hospital enrolling 80 adults undergoing ambulatory surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Participants will be randomized to receive either an ultrasound-guided popliteal nerve block with local anesthetic or a sham block in addition to standard multimodal systemic analgesia. The primary outcomes are postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption, and secondary outcomes include the incidence and impact of nerve complications, return to physical activity, and functional performance. Follow-up will track early postoperative recovery and any nerve injury–related sequelae.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with ASA I–III and BMI under 35 who are scheduled for ambulatory acute Achilles tendon repair and can provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing lower-limb neuropathy, contraindications to regional anesthesia or local anesthetics, chronic high‑dose opioid use, prior Achilles surgery on the operative leg, pregnancy, or inability to consent or speak English are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce postoperative pain and opioid use and improve early recovery after Achilles tendon repair.
How similar studies have performed: Prior evidence for popliteal nerve blocks in Achilles repair is limited and mixed, with widespread clinical use but few high-quality randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 - 65 * ASA classification: I - III * BMI \< 35 kg/m2 * Undergoing acute Achilles tendon rupture repair surgery as a day surgery procedure Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing neurological deficits or peripheral neuropathy in the distribution of the tibial or common peroneal nerves * Local infection * Contraindication to regional anesthesia (e.g., bleeding diathesis, coagulopathy) * History of use of over 30 mg oxycodone or equivalent per day * Contraindication to any component of a standard multi-modal analgesia * Allergy to local anesthetics * History of significant psychiatric conditions that may affect patient assessment * Pregnancy * Inability to provide informed consent * Patient refusal of popliteal nerve blockade * Prior Achilles tendon surgeries on the operative leg * Unable to speak or read English
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Women's College Hospital — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard Brull, MD, FRCPC — University Health Network, Toronto
- Study coordinator: Didem Bozak
- Email: didem.bozak@wchospital.ca
- Phone: 416-323-6008
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.