Femoral Triangle + IPACK Blocks for ACL Reconstruction Analgesia
Chile48 participantsStarted 2022-06-01
Plain-language summary
An adequate balance between analgesia and motor function is an essential requirement to facilitate functional recovery and early discharge after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery.
Proximal nerve blocks (i.e. femoral and sciatic nerve blocks) are associated with optimal analgesia, but they can cause muscle weakness, interfering with rehabilitation and increasing the risk of falls .
A recent randomized controlled trial concluded that, compared to mid-and distal ACB, a distal femoral triangle block (FTB) is associated with lower opioid consumption and improved postoperative analgesia for ambulatory ACL reconstruction.
In ACL reconstruction surgery there are other potential sources of pain not covered by a FTB, such as intra-articular structures (menisci, cruciate ligaments), posterior knee capsule and the graft donor site.
Evidence supporting the addition of an IPACK block to a FTB has been studied for patients undergoing total knee replacement, nonetheless, there is no trial analyzing the analgesic contribution of IPACK to a FTB in the context of ACL reconstruction surgery.
In this multicentric trial, the investigators set out to analyze the analgesic benefit of adding an IPACK block to a FTB.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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:
* Patient scheduled to undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under general anesthesia with ipsilateral autologous graft.
* Age between 18 and 65 years
* American Society of Anesthesiologists classification 1-3
* Body mass index between 19 and 35 (kg/m2)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Adults who are unable to give their own consent
* Pre-existing neuropathy (assessed by history and physical examination)
* Coagulopathy (assessed by history and physical examination and, if deemed clinically necessary, by blood work up i.e. platelets ≤ 100, International Normalized Ratio ≥ 1.4 or prothrombin time ≥ 50)
* Renal failure (assessed by history and physical examination and, if deemed clinically necessary, by blood work up i.e. creatinine ≥ 100)
* Hepatic failure (assessed by history and physical examination and, if deemed clinically necessary, by blood work up i.e. transaminases ≥ 100)
* Allergy to local anesthetics (LAs), morphine or tramadol
* Pregnancy
* ACL revision surgery
* Contralateral graft or any type of allograft
* Chronic pain syndromes requiring opioid intake at home
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
Post-operative pain scores at 2 hours of arrival to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)