Could a common steroid help kids avoid opioids after ankle surgery?
NCT ID NCT05887765
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether giving children a single dose of dexamethasone before a nerve block for ankle or foot surgery could extend pain relief and reduce the need for strong painkillers like opioids. 90 children took part, receiving either a small or large dose of dexamethasone or a placebo. Researchers measured how long until pain medication was first needed and total opioid use.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Dexamethasone
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a simple way to extend pain relief and reduce opioid use after pediatric ankle surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed Phase 4 trial with 90 children. Results may not apply to all surgeries or ages, and dexamethasone can raise blood sugar.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Department of Spine Diseases and Pediatric Orthopedics, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Poznan, Wielkopolska, 61-545, Poland
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Poznan Univesity of Medical Sciences
Poznan, Wielkopolska, 61-701, Poland