Using Medrol Dosepak to Lower Opioid Use After Foot and Ankle Surgery
Assessment of Medrol Dosepak to Reduce Opioid Consumption in Foot and Ankle Surgical Patients
This study is testing if a short course of a steroid medication can help people manage pain and use fewer opioids after foot and ankle surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06780202 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the impact of a 6-day low-dose course of methylprednisolone on pain management and opioid consumption in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgeries. The study aims to reduce opioid prescriptions and improve patient outcomes by implementing a multimodal pain management approach. It will assess pain levels, nausea, and complications post-surgery, as well as patient-reported outcomes. The research builds on previous findings that suggest glucocorticoids can effectively manage pain without hindering recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Emory Orthopedic patients scheduled for foot and ankle surgeries.
Not a fit: Patients with concurrent significant injuries, infections, or a history of substance abuse may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid consumption and improve pain management for patients undergoing foot and ankle surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using low-dose methylprednisolone in other surgical contexts have shown promising results in reducing opioid use and improving recovery outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: -Emory Orthopedic patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Concurrent or significant injuries to other bones or organs * Local infections * History of alcohol or medical abuse, including prior opioid abuse * Smoking * History of severe heart disease, renal failure, liver dysfunction, active peptic ulcer disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological or psychiatric diseases that could influence pain perception * Pre-existing immune suppression * Those deemed possibly non-compliant by the study team and, * All vulnerable populations (those unable to give consent, juveniles, pregnant women, prisoners, cognitively impaired and non-English speaking).
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations
- Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- Emory Sports Medicine Complex and Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Center — Johns Creek, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rishin Kadakia, MD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Jason Bariteau, MD
- Email: jason.bariteau@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-778-3350
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.