Using Medrol Dosepak to Lower Opioid Use After Foot and Ankle Surgery
Official title: Assessment of Medrol Dosepak to Reduce Opioid Consumption in Foot and Ankle Surgical Patients
Run by Emory University · NCT06780202 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
| Ages | 18 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06780202 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Emory Orthopedic patients scheduled for foot and ankle surgeries.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with concurrent significant injuries, infections, or a history of substance abuse 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 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.
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 gone: Previous studies using low-dose methylprednisolone in other surgical contexts have shown promising results in reducing opioid use and improving recovery outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.