Using dronabinol to manage pain after knee surgery
Dronabinol for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain After Arthroscopic Surgery: a Pilot Randomized Trial
This study is testing if dronabinol can help reduce pain and the need for opioids after knee surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05335252 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of dronabinol, a cannabinoid, in reducing postoperative pain and opioid use following arthroscopic knee surgery. The researchers hypothesize that dronabinol will provide pain relief with fewer side effects compared to traditional pain management methods. If successful, this pilot study may lead to expanded trials for other types of orthopedic surgeries. Participants will receive either dronabinol or a placebo to assess the outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with certain psychiatric histories, or those taking specific contraindicated medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce postoperative pain and reliance on opioids for patients undergoing knee surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of cannabinoids for pain management is gaining interest, this specific approach in the context of knee arthroscopy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Patient who will undergo arthroscopic surgery of the knee including, but not limited to, * Meniscectomy * Synovectomy * Chondroplasty * Loose body removal Exclusion Criteria: * Patients under age 18 years * Patients who cannot provide consent * Patients who are pregnant, breast feeding, or are trying to become pregnant during the study period * Patients with an allergy to any of the study drugs * Patient who are lactose-intolerant * Revision surgery * Open surgery * Comorbidities preventing surgery * Patients with a history of mania, depression, or schizophrenia * Patients taking any of the following drugs or supplements * Anticholinergic agents * Benzodiazepines * Central nervous system depressants * Droperidol * Hydroxyzine * Levomepromazine or methotrimeprazine * Monoamine oxidase inhibitors * Ritonavir * Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors * Sympathomimetics * St. John's Wort * Current diagnosed alcohol or drug abuse * Patients who cannot or will not abide by the medication restrictions listed below Medication restrictions * Participants must agree to abstain from using recreational or medical marijuana products or cannabidiol (CBD) in any form during the treatment period * Participants should not drink alcohol or take other drugs while taking the study drug or hydrocodone/acetaminophen
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vehniah K Tjong, MD — Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Melissa J Shauver, MPH
- Email: melissa.shauver1@nm.org
- Phone: 312-472-6024
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.