Using Exparel and education to reduce opioid use after carpal tunnel surgery

Exparel and Education to Avoid Opioids After Carpal Tunnel Release

PHASE4 · Kettering Health Network · NCT03867539

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

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKettering Health Network (other)
Locations2 sites (Dayton, Ohio and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03867539 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Dayton, Ohio and 1 other locations

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: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, hand, exparel, opioid crisis

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.