The Effect of Distal Versus Proximal Approach to the Interspace Between the Popliteal Artery and the Posterior Capsule of the Knee (iPACK) on Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Procedure
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often results in significant postoperative pain, which can hinder recovery despite advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques. Traditional pain management methods like femoral nerve blocks may impair motor function, delaying rehabilitation. The iPACK block, targeting the posterior knee without affecting motor control, offers a promising alternative. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two iPACK block approaches-proximal (at the distal femoral shaft) and distal (between the femoral condyles)-in managing postoperative pain in TKA patients. In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 120 participants, pain scores, opioid use, and time to rescue analgesia will be assessed. The hypothesis is that the distal iPACK block provides superior pain relief, potentially improving patient outcomes and recovery.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 80
Healthy Volunteers: f
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• Age between 18 and 80 years

• Patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis

• Ability to understand and sign informed consent

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I-III

• Ability to cooperate and participate in postoperative pain assessments (e.g., VAS)

Locations
Other Locations
Slovakia
1st Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine
RECRUITING
Bratislava
Contact Information
Primary
Andrej Dano, MD
danoandreas@gmail.com
+421911571616
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-02-12
Estimated Completion Date: 2027-05-30
Participants
Target number of participants: 120
Treatments
Experimental: proximal iPACK group
In the proximal iPACK group, participants will receive 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine with adrenaline (1:200,000), injected at the level of the distal femoral shaft (a straight portion of the femur without the condyles).
Experimental: distal iPACK group
In the distal iPACK group, the participants will receive 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine with adrenaline (1:200,000), injected at the most distal part of the thigh, between the femoral condyles.
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: Comenius University

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov