Can skipping opioids during surgery curb addiction? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07211399
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study will test whether using opioid-free anesthesia during knee replacement surgery can reduce the risk of long-term opioid use and chronic pain. About 700 adults scheduled for knee replacement will be randomly assigned to receive either standard opioid-based anesthesia or an opioid-free combination of other pain medicines. Researchers will track pain levels and opioid use after surgery to see if the opioid-free approach leads to better long-term outcomes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Opioid-free anesthesia (dexmedetomidine, ketamine, lidocaine, acetaminophen, propofol, sevoflurane)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that avoiding opioids during surgery lowers the risk of opioid addiction and chronic pain after knee replacement.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study (700 people) testing a new approach. It may not prove effective, and the opioid-free method might not control pain as well as standard care.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
UPMC Shadyside Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States
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