Suprainguinal fascia iliaca block with or without dexmedetomidine for hip replacement pain
Official title: Comparison of Suprainguinal Fascia Iliac Block With and Without Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunct to Ropivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia Following Hip Surgery: a Randomized, Double-blinded Study.
Run by Rhode Island Hospital · NCT07316166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in a suprainguinal fascia iliaca nerve block helps control pain and delay the first request for pain medication after elective hip replacement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rhode Island Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Providence, Rhode Island) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07316166 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–80 undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty with ASA physical status 1–3 and who meet the listed safety criteria are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic opioid use, pre-existing neuropathy, significant organ dysfunction, high-grade heart block, or other exclusion criteria are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty will receive a single-shot suprainguinal fascia iliaca block with either ropivacaine alone or ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine, with anesthesia provided by spinal or general techniques per usual care. The trial compares postoperative outcomes including time to first analgesic request, opioid consumption, and pain scores between the two groups. Standard inclusion criteria limit enrollment to patients aged 18–80 with ASA physical status 1–3, and multiple medical and procedural exclusions are applied to ensure safety. The investigators hypothesize that the dexmedetomidine group will experience a longer duration of analgesia and lower opioid requirements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding dexmedetomidine could prolong the nerve block and reduce opioid needs after hip replacement surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies adding dexmedetomidine to peripheral nerve blocks have generally shown prolonged block duration and reduced opioid use, though data specifically for suprainguinal fascia iliaca blocks in total hip arthroplasty are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty * 18-80 years old * ASA 1-3 classifications Exclusion Criteria: * ASA classification of 4 or greater * Infection at the site of nerve blockade * Coagulopathy * Known allergy to study medications * Chronic opioid consumption (\>3 months) * Currently using lidocaine patches * Pre-existing neuropathy * A history of CVA * High grade atrioventricular block (cardiac conduction system impairment) * Organ dysfunction (cardiac failure, respiratory failure, end stage renal disease, hepatic dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia) * Morbid obesity (≥40 kg/m2) * Prior surgery in supra and/or infrainguinal region * Non-English-speaking participants
Where it's running
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The Miriam Hospital
Providence, Rhode Island, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Vendhan Ramanujam, M.D.
- Email: vramanujam@brownhealth.org
- Phone: 401-444-5172
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.