Nerve block may ease pain and cut opioid use in kids after palate surgery

NCT ID NCT06420336

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 09, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a quadratus lumborum block—a type of nerve block—can better control pain and reduce opioid use in children aged 6 to 18 who are having palate repair surgery with bone taken from the hip. Half of the participants receive the nerve block, while the other half get standard local anesthetic at the surgical site. Pain scores and medication use are tracked for 48 hours 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: quadratus lumborum block with ropivacaine and dexamethasone
What this could lead to: If effective, this nerve block could provide better pain control and reduce opioid use in children undergoing palate repair with bone grafting.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial. The block may not significantly improve pain or reduce opioid use compared to standard local anesthetic.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cleft palate opioid abuse Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CLEFT PALATE OPIOID USE POST OPERATIVE PAIN

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

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

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITING

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

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

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