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Postoperative Analgesia Using a Perineural Catheter Versus a Single Nerve Block in Rearfoot Surgery

This study is investigating different ways to manage pain after foot surgery. Many people experience severe pain after these operations, which often requires strong painkillers like opioids that can have unwanted side effects. Uncontrolled pain can also sometimes lead to long-term pain. The study is comparing two pain-relief methods: a special thin tube (called a perineural catheter) that delivers pain-numbing medicine continuously, and a single pain-blocking injection. The perineural catheter is already used in some hospitals for foot surgery and has shown promise in other operations. However, more information is needed specifically for foot surgery to see if it significantly improves pain management and helps people get back on their feet quicker. Importantly, this study uses information collected during routine care, without changing your usual treatment.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Angers

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

07 Feb 2027

Hindfoot Surgery Analgesia Perineural Catheter

What is this study about?

Foot surgery, especially on the back part of the foot (sometimes called hindfoot surgery), can be quite painful afterwards. This pain often lasts for several days and patients frequently need strong pain medicines, known as opioids, to cope. While opioids are effective, they come with side effects that many people would prefer to avoid. Furthermore, if pain isn't well controlled after surgery, there's a higher chance it could become a long-lasting (chronic) problem.

This study is looking at an advanced way to manage this post-surgery pain. It focuses on a technique where a very thin, flexible tube called a perineural catheter is placed near the nerves in your leg. This tube can then deliver numbing medicine continuously, offering ongoing pain relief. This method is already used in some hospitals for foot surgery, and it has worked well for pain control in other types of orthopaedic operations. However, we need more information to specifically understand how well it works for hindfoot surgery compared to other pain management options.

The main goal is to see if using this perineural catheter leads to better pain control and helps patients recover and move around more easily after their surgery. We're comparing it to a single injection that blocks nerves to relieve pain. The study is collecting information from patients' regular care – there won't be any changes to how your surgery or immediate recovery is planned. This allows us to get a real-world picture of how effective the catheter is, and also to understand how often minor issues like leaks or the catheter coming out might happen.

Key takeaways

The study compares two pain relief methods for foot surgery: a continuous tube (catheter) versus a single injection.
It aims to find out if the continuous pain relief helps reduce pain and speeds up recovery.
Participation means your routine medical information will be used; your treatment won't change.
The goal is to improve pain management for future patients having similar surgeries.
The study helps understand how often small issues like leaks might happen with the catheter.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you would need to be an adult patient having hindfoot surgery. You should be generally healthy enough for surgery, as determined by your doctors, and be able to fill in questionnaires about your pain and recovery.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have allergies to the numbing medications, an infection where the injection would go, or certain uncontrolled nerve or mental health conditions, you wouldn't be suitable. Also, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you regularly use certain medications or substances, you wouldn't be able to participate. This study also excludes emergency surgeries and individuals who are under legal guardianship or are in custody.

Ultimately, if you do not wish to be included in the study, you simply cannot be. This is your choice.

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 an adult (18 years or older)?
Are you having surgery on the back part of your foot?
Are you generally healthy enough for surgery (ASA score 1, 2, or 3)?
Are you able to fill out short questionnaires?
Do you have any severe allergies to pain-numbing medicines?
Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you won't need to do anything extra or different from your usual care. The doctors and nurses will be collecting information that they already gather as part of your normal treatment. This includes details about the type of pain relief you receive and how well it works for you after your hindfoot surgery. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your pain levels and recovery, but these would be part of your routine clinical assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of this study is that it helps healthcare professionals better understand which pain relief option, the perineural catheter or a single nerve block, works best for hindfoot surgery. This could lead to improved pain management for future patients. As the study uses information collected during routine treatment, there are no additional medical risks specifically from participating in the study itself. Any risks associated with the pain relief methods (like the catheter or nerve block) are part of your standard surgical care. You have the right to decline participation or withdraw at any time without affecting your treatment.

Locations (1)

University Hospital of Angers
Verified postcode
Angers, France

Common questions

What is hindfoot surgery?

Hindfoot surgery is an operation on the back part of your foot, close to your ankle, often to fix problems that cause pain or difficulty moving.

What is a perineural catheter?

It's a very thin, flexible tube placed near a nerve during surgery to deliver pain-numbing medicine continuously, offering ongoing relief.

Will my treatment change if I join the study?

No, your treatment won't change. The study simply collects information from the care you would receive anyway, without any extra procedures.

What's an opioid?

Opioids are strong pain medications that can be very effective but can also have side effects like sickness or constipation.

Can I choose not to be in the study?

Yes, absolutely. Your decision to participate or not will not affect the quality of your medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Benjamin DUMARTINET

benjamin.dumartinet@chu-angers.fr 241353637 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.