Pain relief study for ACL repair halted after only 3 patients

NCT ID NCT03643822

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study aimed to see if adding dexamethasone and/or dexmedetomidine to a standard nerve block could improve pain relief after ACL repair. Only 3 people enrolled before the study was stopped early. Because it was terminated with so few participants, it does not provide useful information about whether these additives help.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine (added to a nerve block)

What this could lead to

If it had succeeded, this could have pointed toward better pain control after ACL surgery, reducing the need for opioid painkillers.

What could go wrong

The trial was terminated early with only 3 participants, so no reliable conclusions can be drawn. The results are too limited to guide treatment.

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.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Women's College Hospital

    Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada