New combo could cut opioid use after hip replacement

NCT ID NCT07316166

Symptom relief Sponsor: Rhode Island Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether adding dexmedetomidine to a standard nerve block (using ropivacaine) improves pain control after hip replacement surgery. About 120 adults aged 18-80 will receive either the standard block or the block with added dexmedetomidine. The main goal is to see how long it takes before patients need their first painkiller 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: Dexmedetomidine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could lead to better pain relief and less opioid use after hip surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study, so results may not apply to everyone. Adding dexmedetomidine may cause side effects like low blood pressure or slow heart rate.

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

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Phase 4

Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.

Participants

About 120 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Jan 2026

Expected to finish

Jun 2027

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 to 80 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty * 18-80 years old * ASA 1-3 classifications Exclusion Criteria: * ASA classification of 4 or greater * Infection at the site of nerve blockade * Coagulopathy * Known allergy to study medications * Chronic opioid consumption (\>3 months) * Currently using lidocaine patches * Pre-existing neuropathy * A history of CVA * High grade atrioventricular block (cardiac conduction system impairment) * Organ dysfunction (cardiac failure, respiratory failure, end stage renal disease, hepatic dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia) * Morbid obesity (≥40 kg/m2) * Prior surgery in supra and/or infrainguinal region * Non-English-speaking participants

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Postoperative pain management

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

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New combo could cut opioid use after hip replacement

What the study statuses mean