NCT04314570

Saphenous Nerve Block After Tibial Plateau ORIF

Saphenous Nerve Block for Post-Op Pain Control After Tibial Plateau ORIF

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Stanford University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Fractures of the tibial plateau, while very painful, typically do not receive nerve blocks. This is because of a concern that the numbness from a nerve block would "mask" the typically painful symptoms of compartment syndrome, a condition that can lead to a permanent loss of function of the injured limb. Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of saphenous nerve block for pain management after surgical repair of a tibial plateau fracture. Based on cadaver studies and our clinical experience, we suspect that the saphenous nerve contributes to pain sensations of the tibial plateau and will not mask the pain from a compartment syndrome. In summary, while saphenous nerve block represents a safe option after tibial plateau open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), we aim to evaluate its effectiveness in this patient population.

Conditions

• Tibial Plateau Fracture
• Pain, Postoperative

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Saphenous Nerve Block with Ropivacaine Treatment	Regional Anesthesia nerve blocks have become standard practice for several orthopedic surgeries for post-operative pain management, however concerns for compartment syndrome have prevented nerve blocks to become common practice for tibial plateau open reduction internal fixation pain management. Interestingly, saphenous nerve blocks do not cover the sciatic nerve, allowing for pain management while reducing concerns that it may possibly mask compartment syndrome. Patients will receive ropivacaine through the catheter from the start of the nerve block.
PROCEDURE	Saphenous Nerve Block with Saline Control	Regional Anesthesia nerve blocks have become standard practice for several orthopedic surgeries for post-operative pain management, however concerns for compartment syndrome have prevented nerve blocks to become common practice for tibial plateau open reduction internal fixation pain management. Interestingly, saphenous nerve blocks do not cover the sciatic nerve, allowing for pain management while reducing concerns that it may possibly mask compartment syndrome. Patients will receive a loading dose of Normal Saline through the catheter. After one hour, the patient will receive their Ropivacaine infusions as per standard protocol.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-01
• Primary completion: 2026-05-01
• Completion: 2026-05-01
• First posted: 2020-03-19
• Last updated: 2024-05-17