Electric zaps instead of opioids: new pain relief after surgery?

NCT ID NCT04713098

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Diego Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested a non-drug approach to control pain after shoulder, ankle, or bunion surgery. Instead of relying on opioids, doctors placed a tiny wire near a nerve using ultrasound and delivered a mild electric current. The goal was to see if this method could lower pain and reduce the need for opioid painkillers. 250 adults took part in this placebo-controlled trial.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANKLE ARTHROPLASTY OR ARTHRODESIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

ankylosis Bunion Hallux Valgus rotator cuff syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANKLE ARTHROPLASTY OR ARTHRODESIS HALLUX VALGUS (BUNION) RESECTION ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Locations

Cedars- Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States
Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
Naval Medical Center San Diego

San Diego, California, 92134, United States
University of California, San Diego

San Diego, California, 92103, United States
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20889, United States
Womack Army Medical Center

Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 28310, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.