Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Local Infiltration Analgesia Versus Quadruple Nerve Blocks in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

This research is looking into the best ways to control pain after a total knee replacement operation, which can sometimes be quite uncomfortable at first. Patients need good pain relief to help them get back on their feet quickly. Doctors often use a mix of pain medicines, but they're still debating the best ways to numb the area. This study compares two methods: one involves giving pain relief directly into the knee during surgery. The other uses a combination of four nerve-blocking injections to the leg, using a very low dose of pain medication that aims to stop pain without making muscles too weak. The hope is to find out which method works better for pain relief.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

CMC Ambroise Paré

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2028

Total Knee Arthroplasty

What is this study about?

When you have a total knee replacement, it's very common to feel a lot of pain right after the operation. This pain can make it harder for you to start moving around and recovering quickly. Doctors are always looking for the best ways to manage this pain so you can feel more comfortable and get back to your usual activities sooner.

This study aims to compare two different pain relief methods. One method is called 'local infiltration analgesia' (LIA). This is where pain medication is given directly into the knee area during surgery. It's a common method and helps with pain without usually affecting how well you can move your leg. The other method involves giving four 'nerve blocks' around your leg. These blocks use a very small amount of a pain-numbing medicine to target specific nerves that carry pain signals from your knee. The idea is to block the pain while still allowing your muscles to work properly, so you can move your leg without too much weakness.

By comparing these two approaches, the research team hopes to learn which method provides more effective pain relief for people having knee replacement surgery. This information can help doctors choose the best pain management plan for future patients, helping them to have a smoother and more comfortable recovery.

Key takeaways

Compares two pain relief methods for knee replacement surgery.
Aims to find the most effective pain management for recovery.
One method uses local pain relief in the knee, the other uses nerve blocks.
Nerve blocks use low-dose medicine to reduce pain, hopefully without weakness.
Participation involves receiving one of these methods and standard pain relief.
You'll be monitored for pain and comfort during your hospital stay.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who are scheduled to have their first total knee replacement surgery under general anaesthesia (where you're completely asleep). You should be living independently at home before your surgery and planning to return home afterward. It's also important that you are part of a social security system and agree to take part in the study.

You would not be able to join if you regularly take strong pain medications like opioids before your surgery, or if you have a condition that causes long-lasting pain all over your body. If you have a specific knee shape called a 'valgus' deformity, or if you have any medical condition that means you can't have certain medications or general anaesthesia as planned, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals who are under legal protection (like guardianship), cannot join this study.

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 or older?
Are you having your first total knee replacement?
Do you live independently at home and plan to return there?
Do you not regularly take strong opioid pain medication?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first have all the usual checks before your operation. You'll receive antibiotics to prevent infection and a medication to help with swelling. Your knee replacement surgery will be performed under general anaesthesia. During the operation, you'll be randomly assigned to receive one of two pain relief methods: either a local pain medication given directly into your knee during surgery, or four nerve-blocking injections around your leg. After the surgery, you'll receive standard pain medication, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, and possibly stronger pain relief if needed. Your pain levels will be regularly checked, and you may also receive cryotherapy (cold therapy). The study primarily focuses on the pain relief given during and immediately after the surgery. Your participation will involve monitoring pain and recovery during your hospital stay.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer you the potential benefit of receiving pain relief that could be more effective or have fewer side effects than other methods. However, there's no guarantee of direct benefit for you personally. All medical procedures carry some risks; for example, nerve blocks can sometimes cause temporary weakness or bruising, though the aim here is to use a low dose of medication to minimise this. Local pain relief also has its own small risks, such as infection or bleeding. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care, and your doctors will continue to ensure you receive the best treatment.

Locations (1)

Clinique Médipôle Garonne
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France

Common questions

What is a 'Total Knee Arthroplasty'?

It's the medical term for total knee replacement surgery, where damaged parts of your knee joint are replaced with artificial ones.

Will I be awake during the surgery?

No, your surgery will be done under general anaesthesia, meaning you will be completely asleep.

What are nerve blocks?

Nerve blocks are injections that put pain-numbing medicine near specific nerves to stop them from sending pain signals to your brain from your leg.

Will the pain medicine chosen affect my leg movement?

The study aims to use pain relief methods that control pain effectively while trying to keep your muscles working well, especially for the nerve blocks, by using a very low dose of medication.

What happens after the surgery?

You'll receive a combination of pain medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, and possibly stronger ones if needed, to keep you comfortable while you recover.

How to find out more

Philippe MARTY, MD

philippemarty@hotmail.com 05 62 13 29 97 Official trial record

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