One-Shot pain relief could replace pump for ankle surgery recovery
NCT ID NCT06995352
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares a single injection of liposomal bupivacaine (a long-lasting painkiller) to a continuous nerve block (which uses a pump and catheter) for pain after ankle surgery. Researchers want to see if the single injection works just as well, while being easier and safer. About 140 adults undergoing ankle surgery will be randomly assigned to one of the two pain management methods.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simpler, safer, and cheaper way to control pain after ankle surgery, reducing the need for opioid painkillers.
- What could go wrong
- This is a Phase 4 non-inferiority study, so it's not testing a new drug but comparing two existing methods. The liposomal version may not provide pain relief that lasts as long as the continuous nerve block.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of California San Diego
La Jolla, California, 92137, United States