AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Post-operative analgesia and spinal block duration following total hip arthroplasties - comparison of single-shot intrathecal ropivacaine, and bupivacaine: a randomized, double blinded controlled study

If you're having hip replacement surgery, this study is looking at pain relief afterwards. Doctors often use a spinal injection to numb the area during surgery and manage pain. This research compares two different medicines given in these spinal injections: ropivacaine and bupivacaine. The main goal is to find out which medicine helps people get back their feeling and control over their legs more quickly after the operation. They also want to understand things like how well each medicine controls pain, if it causes side effects like sickness or problems with passing urine, and how satisfied patients are with their pain relief. It's a way to help improve recovery for future patients undergoing hip surgery.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Turku University Hospital

Enrolment target

162

Start

31 Oct 2025

Hip osteoarthrosis and postoperative pain

What is this study about?

When you have a hip replacement, a common way to manage pain and numb the area during surgery is through a spinal injection. This study is like a test to see which of two well-known medications – ropivacaine or bupivacaine – is better for patients receiving these injections. Both are already used in hospitals, but comparing them side-by-side helps doctors understand their differences better. The main thing they're looking at is how quickly patients regain normal feeling and movement in their legs after the surgery and injection. This is important for a quicker recovery and getting back on your feet.

Beyond just getting feeling back, the researchers are also very interested in how well each medicine helps with pain after surgery. They'll be asking patients to rate their pain, and also keeping an eye on how much additional pain medication, like strong painkillers (opioids), is needed. They'll also check for common side effects such as feeling sick, vomiting, or problems with passing urine, which can sometimes happen after operations and certain medications.

Ultimately, this study aims to improve the experience for people having hip replacement surgery. By finding out which medication leads to a quicker recovery of sensation and movement, better pain control, and fewer side effects, doctors can make more informed choices. This could mean a more comfortable and smoother journey for patients from the operating theatre back home.

Key takeaways

Compares two common pain medications (ropivacaine vs. bupivacaine) for hip surgery.
Aims to find out which medicine helps patients recover feeling and movement faster.
Also looking at pain control, side effects, and patient satisfaction.
You won't know which medication you receive, nor will your doctors.
Participation helps improve care for future hip replacement patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. The study welcomes both men and women.

The main reason someone might join is if they are planning to have a total hip replacement due to ongoing hip pain, often because of wear and tear (osteoarthritis).

There might be other health conditions or medications that could prevent you from taking part, but the study team will discuss all of these details with you if you're interested. They make sure it's safe for you to participate.

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?
Are you having a total hip replacement operation?
Are you happy to receive a spinal injection for your pain relief?
Do you understand that you might receive one of two different pain medications?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would receive one of the two study medications (either ropivacaine or bupivacaine) as part of your spinal injection during your hip replacement surgery. You wouldn't know which one you're getting, and neither would your doctors or nurses – this is to make the comparison fair.

After your surgery, the research team would observe your recovery closely. This includes checking when you start to regain feeling and movement in your legs. You would also be asked to rate your pain using a simple scale, and the team would keep track of any other pain relief you might need. They will also monitor for common side effects like nausea, vomiting, or problems with passing urine. You may also be asked about your overall satisfaction with your pain relief. These checks would continue for a period after your surgery, potentially throughout your hospital stay and possibly into your first few days at home, depending on what the study needs. The total duration of your active involvement in the study would be focused around your hospital stay and immediate recovery period, typically not extending long-term.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of contributing to better pain management for future patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. You would receive one of two standard medications, both commonly used for spinal injections, so there are no new, unproven drugs involved. As with any medical procedure or medication, there are potential risks, such as side effects like nausea, vomiting, or urinary retention, though these are typically monitored and managed. There's also a small risk associated with the spinal injection itself, common to all such procedures. You are always free to change your mind and 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.

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Unverified
Finland

Common questions

What is a spinal injection?

A spinal injection involves giving medication into the fluid surrounding your spinal cord to numb a large area of your body, usually for surgery like a hip replacement.

What are ropivacaine and bupivacaine?

These are both types of local anaesthetic medicines used to temporarily numb parts of the body and block pain. They are commonly used in spinal injections for operations.

Will I know which medication I'm getting?

No, you won't. This is called 'double-blinded,' meaning neither you nor your doctors will know which of the two medications you receive. This helps ensure fair results.

What does 'return of sensory and motor function' mean?

This means when you get back the feeling (sensory) and movement (motor) in your legs after the spinal injection has started to wear off.

Will this study change how my hip replacement is done?

No, your hip replacement surgery will be performed as usual. This study is only comparing the pain medication used in the spinal injection, not the surgical procedure itself.