Could a 6-Day steroid pill reduce opioid needs after surgery?

NCT ID NCT06780202

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a 6-day course of the steroid Medrol (methylprednisolone) can lower pain, nausea, and the need for opioid painkillers after foot or ankle surgery. About 180 adults having surgery at Emory will take either the steroid or a placebo, plus a small supply of hydrocodone for breakthrough pain. The goal is to see if the steroid helps people recover with fewer opioids and fewer side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Methylprednisolone (a corticosteroid, given as a 6-day tapering course)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a way to manage post-surgery pain with fewer opioids, lowering the risk of dependence.

What could go wrong

This is a small Phase 2 trial, so results are preliminary. The steroid may not reduce pain or nausea significantly, and it carries risks like infection or delayed wound healing.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

ankle injury disease Foot Injuries

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center

    RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact

  • Emory Sports Medicine Complex and Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Center

    RECRUITING

    Johns Creek, Georgia, 30022, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••