Popliteal nerve block for repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.