Using Exparel and education to reduce opioid use after carpal tunnel surgery
Official title: Exparel and Education to Avoid Opioids After Carpal Tunnel Release
Run by Kettering Health Network · NCT03867539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using Exparel along with education on opioid use can help people have less pain and use fewer opioids after carpal tunnel surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kettering Health Network Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Dayton, Ohio and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 15, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03867539 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of opioid use in the last six months or allergies to bupivacaine or related medications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the use of Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic, combined with opioid education to minimize post-operative opioid consumption following carpal tunnel release surgery. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving Exparel and opioid education, and the other receiving standard care with non-liposomal bupivacaine, opioid education, and opioids. The study aims to address the opioid epidemic by exploring alternative pain management strategies and changing public perceptions regarding post-operative pain expectations. The findings could provide evidence for a new standard of care in managing pain after this common procedure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce reliance on opioids for pain management after carpal tunnel surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited data on the use of long-acting local analgesia in hand surgery, the approach of combining it with opioid education is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed either by physical exam or EMG * age \>18. Exclusion Criteria: * allergy to bupivacaine * pre-operative opioid usage within the last six months * patients allergic to Percocet or acetaminophen * patients taking tricyclic antidepressants (interaction with bupivacaine) * vulnerable populations (prisoners or pregnant women)
Where it's running
-
Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio
Dayton, Ohio, United States Recruiting -
Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio
Dayton, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ronald Buczek, DO — Kettering Health Network
- Study coordinator: Ronald Buczek, DO
- Email: orthostudy2019@gmail.com
- Phone: 937-439-6483
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Matrix Rhythm Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This study tests whether adding Matrix Rhythm Therapy to standard care helps people with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome improve symptoms, hand function, grip and pinch strength, and quality of life.
-
Carpal tunnel release vs placebo surgery in Finland
In this trial, people with carpal tunnel syndrome are randomly assigned to either standard carpal tunnel surgery or a pretend surgery to see if relief comes from the operation itself or from placebo effects.
-
High-intensity laser therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome
This trial will test whether high-intensity laser therapy helps adults 18–65 with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome reduce pain and improve nerve function and hand strength compared with a sham procedure.
-
Ultrasound-guided needle release plus dextrose (D5W) hydrodissection for carpal tunnel syndrome
This trial tests whether combining ultrasound-guided partial release of the transverse carpal ligament with dextrose (D5W) hydrodissection provides better symptom relief for adults with carpal tunnel syndrome and at least moderate symptoms.
-
A mix of vitamins to help recovery after carpal tunnel surgery
This will test whether taking alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, and B vitamins helps adults recover better after carpal tunnel release surgery.
-
Symptom spread and pain sensitivity in carpal tunnel syndrome
This test looks at whether people with carpal tunnel syndrome whose symptoms spread beyond the usual finger area have higher central pain sensitivity, using a questionnaire and pressure pain testing.
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.