Predicting opioid use after joint replacement surgery

Using Genomics and Gut Microbiome Data to Predict Postoperative Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Joint Replacement

University of California, San Diego · NCT04974463

This study is trying to find out if certain genes and gut bacteria can help predict how much pain medication people will need after knee or hip replacement surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego (other)
Locations1 site (La Jolla, California)
Trial IDNCT04974463 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify genetic, microbiome, and metabolomic factors that may predict opioid use following lower extremity joint arthroplasty. Patients undergoing knee or hip replacement will be recruited preoperatively and undergo various tests, including genetic profiling and gut microbiome sampling. The study will also collect data on patient demographics, comorbidities, and pain-related surveys to establish associations with postoperative opioid use. The goal is to personalize pain management strategies for patients at high risk of opioid dependence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for unilateral knee or hip arthroplasty.

Not a fit: Patients who have received antibiotics within the last three months or lack the capacity to consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to personalized interventions that reduce the risk of opioid dependence in patients after joint surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While personalized medicine approaches have shown promise in other areas, this specific combination of genetic and microbiome factors in predicting opioid use is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patient undergoing unilateral knee or hip arthroplasty

Exclusion Criteria:

* refusal to consent
* lack of independent decision-making capacity
* inability to communicate effectively with research personnel
* if patient received antibiotics within the last 3 months prior to surgery

Where this trial is running

La Jolla, California

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: Joint Pain, Chronic Pain, Opioid Use

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.