New combo aims to keep opioids out of carpal tunnel recovery
NCT ID NCT03867539
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether using a long-acting local anesthetic called Exparel, along with education about opioids, can help people avoid taking opioid painkillers after carpal tunnel release surgery. About 64 adults with carpal tunnel syndrome will be split into two groups: one gets Exparel plus education, the other gets standard pain relief (bupivacaine, education, and opioids). Pain levels and medication use will be tracked for three days after surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Exparel (liposomal bupivacaine)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a way to manage post-surgery pain without needing opioid painkillers.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 64 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Some patients may still need opioids despite the combination therapy.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio
RECRUITINGDayton, Ohio, 45414, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
-
Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio
RECRUITINGDayton, Ohio, 45459, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••
Contact
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can gentle bone mobilization beat standard wrist stretches for carpal tunnel?
- Could a gentle vibration treatment ease carpal tunnel pain?
- Can surgery go green? study measures carbon footprint of common orthopedic operations
- Oxford scientists probe why nerve exercises ease carpal tunnel pain
- Could hand therapy replace surgery for carpal tunnel?
- No tourniquet, less pain? study tests new approach for carpal tunnel release