Could a common steroid help kids avoid opioids after ankle surgery?

NCT ID NCT05887765

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Poznan University of Medical Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cerebral palsy Foot Deformities Foot Diseases

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANKLE DISEASE CEREBRAL PALSY FOOT DEFORMITIES FOOT DISEASES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Spine Diseases and Pediatric Orthopedics, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland

Poznan, Wielkopolska, 61-545, Poland
Poznan Univesity of Medical Sciences

Poznan, Wielkopolska, 61-701, Poland

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