Which nerve block helps kids recover faster from knee surgery?

NCT ID NCT06590402

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two types of nerve blocks—anterior femoral cutaneous nerve block and adductor canal block—for children aged 8–18 having ACL or MPFL knee surgery. Sixty participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the blocks along with standard pain care. Researchers will measure pain, opioid use, and leg strength after surgery to see which block leads to better recovery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Bupivacaine and dexamethasone (local anesthetic and corticosteroid)
What this could lead to: If one nerve block works better, it could lead to better pain control and faster recovery for children after knee surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to all children. The two blocks may work equally well, or one may have unexpected side effects.

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

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION MEDIAL PATELLOFEMORAL LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital for Special Surgery
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10021, United States

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