Continuous Femoral Nerve Block Following Total Knee Replacement (NCT00135889) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Continuous Femoral Nerve Block Following Total Knee Replacement
United States50 participantsStarted 2005-01
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to determine if putting local anesthetic-or numbing medication-through a tiny tube next to the nerves that go to the knee will improve pain control during physical therapy, and ultimately improve the results of surgery. It will also determine if patients having knee replacement surgery may receive the same or better pain control at home compared with staying in the hospital, and if this improves their experience following surgery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients undergoing unilateral, primary total knee arthropathy (TKA)
* 18-80 years of age
* Be able to understand the possible local anesthetic-related complications, study protocol, and care of the catheter and infusion pump system and are already planning on having a perineural catheter placed for postoperative analgesia
Exclusion Criteria:
* Any contraindication to femoral block/catheter
* Any comorbidity which results in moderate or severe functional limitation (American Society of Anesthesiologists \[ASA\] physical status \>2)
* Baseline oxygen saturation \< 96% on room air
* Known hepatic or renal insufficiency (creatinine level \> 1.5 mg/dL)
* Allergy to study medications (other than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents \[NSAIDs\] and acetaminophen)
* Inability to communicate with the authors
* Morbid obesity (body mass index \[BMI\]\>40 kg/m2)
* History of opioid abuse or chronic regular opioid use (use within the 2 weeks prior to surgery and duration of use \> 4 weeks)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Distance of ambulation in the afternoon following surgery
2
Time from surgical stop until three discharge criteria are met
Trial details
NCT IDNCT00135889
SponsorNational Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)