Nerve block could ease pain after leg fracture surgery without hiding danger signs
NCT ID NCT04314570
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a saphenous nerve block can safely reduce pain after surgery for a tibial plateau fracture. Typically, nerve blocks are avoided in these fractures because numbness might mask compartment syndrome, a serious complication. The saphenous nerve block targets only the front of the leg, leaving the sciatic nerve untouched, which may preserve the ability to feel compartment syndrome pain. Researchers will measure pain scores, opioid use, and hospital stay length in adults undergoing this surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Ropivacaine
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this nerve block could offer a safer way to manage pain after tibial plateau surgery, reducing opioid use and hospital stays.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study. The nerve block may not provide enough pain relief, or concerns about masking compartment syndrome could limit its use.
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
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Expected to start
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May 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Tibial plateau fracture presenting for ORIF * Age greater than or equal to 18 years Exclusion Criteria: * Other concomitant life-threatening injuries * History of chronic pain prior to tibial plateau ORIF * Age \<18 years old * Pregnancy * Any condition impairing patient's ability to consent to participation in study * Existing condition contraindicating a nerve block * Non-English Speaking
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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.
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