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SSSI Efficacy With iACB and PC-LIA in TKA Pain Management

Not Applicable
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Postoperative Pain Management in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Registration Number
NCT07191964
Lead Sponsor
Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital
Brief Summary

This prospective, triple-blinded, sham-controlled randomized trial evaluates the additive effect of Supra-Sartorial Subcutaneous Infiltration (SSSI) combined with intermittent adductor canal block (iACB) and posterior capsule local infiltration analgesia (PC-LIA) for pain management in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). SSSI, a simpler alternative to targeted anterior femoral cutaneous nerve (AFCN) block, is tested in 90 adults (45-90 years) randomized into two arms: sham SSSI + active iACB + PC-LIA versus all active interventions. Primary outcome is pain scores on postoperative day 0; secondary outcomes include daily pain trajectory, opioid use, functional recovery, and complications over days 0-3.

Detailed Description

This prospective, two-armed, triple-blinded, sham-controlled randomized controlled trial investigates the additive effect of Supra-Sartorial Subcutaneous Infiltration (SSSI) to intermittent adductor canal block (iACB) and posterior capsule local infiltration analgesia (PC-LIA) in multimodal pain management for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). SSSI is a peripheral nerve block technique the investigators devised as a simpler alternative to targeted anterior femoral cutaneous nerve (AFCN) block, which is technically more demanding and time-consuming. Based on the investigators' preliminary study (in publication) where SSSI combined with PC-LIA provided clinically meaningful analgesia in \~58% of patients, and drawing from previous studies on AFCN blocks, the trial compares: Arm 1 (all active SSSI + active iACB + active PC-LIA) versus Arm 2 (sham SSSI + active iACB + active PC-LIA). Adults (45-90 years) undergoing unilateral primary TKA (n=90, 45/arm) will be randomized 1:1, stratified by age, preoperative pain levels (in Numerical Rating Scale) and functional status (WOMAC Index or Knee Society Score). Interventions use 0.3% ropivacaine or saline shams, with SSSI and ACB catheterization performed in the post-anesthesia care unit by anesthesiologists and PC-LIA performed intraoperatively by surgeons. Primary outcome: Numerical Rating Scale pain scores at rest and during continuous passive motion at 9:00 PM on postoperative day (POD) 0, focusing on anteromedial knee pain. Secondary outcomes include daily pain scores, rescue ACB doses, additional opioid use, functional recovery (quadriceps strength, timed up and go \[TUG\] test), and complications over POD 0-3. With \~96% power for a 2-point NRS difference, this trial evaluates SSSI's role in enhancing motor-sparing analgesia.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
90
Inclusion Criteria
  • Adults aged 45-90 undergoing unilateral primary TKA for osteoarthritis.
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III.
  • Able to provide informed consent and use NRS pain scales.
  • Surgery scheduled to start before noon to standardize spinal anesthesia recovery.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Bilateral or revision TKA.
  • Contraindications to regional anesthesia (e.g., coagulopathy, infection at injection site).
  • Chronic opioid use (>30 mg morphine equivalents/day) or preoperative NRS >4.
  • Pre-existing neurological deficits in lower extremities or AFCN-related neuropathy.
  • Allergy to ropivacaine.
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or cognitive impairment affecting assessments.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pain: NRS at rest/movement on postoperative day 0 (with a focus on the anteromedial aspect of knee)at 9:00 PM on postoperative day 0

NRS pain scores (0-10) at rest and during continuous passive motion will be taken on postoperative day 0 at 9:00 PM. Higher NRS pain scores indicate worse pain levels.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pain: NRS at rest/movement (anteromedial vs posterior aspect of knee) from postoperative day 1-3From postoperative day 1 at 9:00 AM to postoperative day 3 at 9:00 AM.

NRS pain scores (0-10) will be taken at rest/during TUG test on postoperative day 1 (9:00 AM, 9 :00 PM), POD 2 (9:00 AM, 9 :00 PM), and POD 3 (9:00 AM). Higher NRS pain scores indicate worse pain levels.

ComplicationsFrom postoperative day 0 at 9:00 PM to postoperative day 3 at 9:00 AM.

Complications such as falls, hematoma/oozing/infection at the catheterization site, catheter dislodgement, etc., will be recorded from postoperative day 0 to postoperative day 3.

Rescue ACB doses (0.3% ropivacaine, mg)From the time entering post-anesthesia care unit to postoperative day 3 at 9:00 AM

Rescue ACB will be administered via catheter as needed outside of the scheduled doses (from postoperative day 0 at 9:00PM to postoperative day 3 at 9:00 AM, q12 hours).

Additional morphine doses (mg)From the time entering post-anesthesia care unit to postoperative day 3 at 9:00 AM

Intravenous morphine as bolus or patient-controlled analgesia may be administered as needed if regional anesthesia fails to providing adequate analgesia (NRS pain \<4).

Functional: Quadriceps strength (dynamometer), TUG testFrom postoperative day 1 at 9:00 AM to postoperative day 3 at 9:00 AM.

Quadriceps strength will be tested using a dynamometer together with TUG test from postoperative day 1 at 9:00 AM to postoperative day 3 at 9:00 AM, q24 hours

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