Ongoing, recruitingPhase III and phase IV (Integrated)Interventional

The effect of the Popliteal Plexus Block on the motor function of the leg - a randomized, controlled, blinded study in volunteers

This study is investigating a pain-relief method called a 'popliteal plexus block' for people experiencing pain after knee surgery. Essentially, it's a way to numb a specific area to help with pain. Researchers are comparing different pain medications used within this block to see how they impact leg movement. They will specifically measure ankle movement, like pointing your toes up and down, to understand if the pain relief affects how muscles work. This is a controlled study, meaning different groups will receive different treatments, and it's 'blinded,' so participants won't know which specific medication they're getting. The aim is to find the best way to manage pain while keeping leg function as normal as possible.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Phase III and phase IV (Integrated)

Sponsor

Region Midtjylland

Enrolment target

Start

24 Jul 2023

Acute post surgical pain after knee surgery

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had knee surgery and you're in pain. Doctors often give you something called a 'nerve block' to help. This study is all about one specific type of nerve block, called a 'popliteal plexus block,' which targets nerves behind your knee to numb the pain in your leg and foot.

The main goal of this research is to see how different pain medications, given as part of this block, affect your ability to move your leg. Specifically, they're very interested in how well you can move your ankle – like pointing your foot up (dorsiflexion) and down (plantarflexion). They'll measure this before and after you receive the nerve block to see if there's any difference between the groups receiving various medications. This helps them understand if one medication is better than another at managing pain without impacting your ability to move.

They will also look at other things, like how well you can straighten your knee after the block, and how the block affects specific muscles and nerves in your leg. This could help doctors choose the best pain relief options for future patients, aiming for effective pain management while supporting a good recovery and regaining leg movement.

Key takeaways

New study on pain relief for knee surgery patients.
Compares different pain medications in a nerve block.
Focuses on how leg movement, especially ankle, is affected.
Open to adults aged 18 and over, male and female.
Aims to find better ways to manage pain and recovery after knee surgery.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years old or older. There is no upper age limit, so older adults are welcome to participate. The study is open to both men and women.

Your doctor will check if you've already had knee surgery and are experiencing pain, as that's the main reason for joining. They'll also make sure you're generally healthy enough to take part and that the nerve block is suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently had knee surgery and are experiencing pain?
Are you able to attend appointments for assessments?
Are you generally in good health?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be one of several volunteers in this study. You will undergo a popliteal plexus block, where medication is injected near nerves behind your knee to help with pain. The researchers will give you one of the medications they are testing, but you won't know which one. Before and after receiving the nerve block, you'll have specific tests to measure how well you can move your ankle and other parts of your leg. This involves tasks like trying to push or pull your foot. They will also check nerve and muscle responses. The study involves a few visits, likely before and after the block, to collect all this information. The exact total duration isn't specified, but it would involve the time for the procedure and subsequent assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about how to best treat pain after knee surgery, potentially benefiting future patients. While the nerve block is a common procedure, there are always some risks, such as bruising, bleeding, or, rarely, nerve damage or infection at the injection site. You might also feel some temporary weakness or numbness in your leg due to the medication, which is part of what the study is measuring. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

—
Unverified
Denmark

Common questions

What is a 'popliteal plexus block'?

It's a way doctors numb nerves behind your knee to help with pain in your leg or foot, often after surgery.

Will I feel less pain if I join this study?

The nerve block is given to help with pain, but this study specifically looks at how different medications in the block affect leg movement.

Will I know which medication I'm getting?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, so you won't know which specific pain medication you receive.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the study?

You can stop taking part at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have tests to measure how strongly you can move your ankles and other parts of your leg, and checks on your nerves and muscles.