Trial Outcomes & Findings for 4-drug Nerve Block Versus Plain Local Anesthetic for Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Analgesia in Veterans (NCT NCT02891798)

NCT ID: NCT02891798

Last Updated: 2022-01-14

Results Overview

SF-MPQ version 2 total score difference of Post-Operative Day 1 value minus the Baseline value. Differences can range from -10 to +10. Negative scores indicate a decrease in pain.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE3

Target enrollment

98 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline, Post-Operative day after surgery (7AM-9AM EST)

Results posted on

2022-01-14

Participant Flow

Participants were enrolled from November 2016 to October 2018 after HIPAA-compliant contact of the study recruiter by either the preoperative clinic or the orthopedic clinic clinical staff. Of the 571 screened, 473 were not eligible due to failing study inclusion/exclusion criteria (N=151), programmatic reasons (N=145), or not willing to participate (N=177), resulting in 98 patients enrolled in the study. Twenty of these were early terminations, leaving 78.

Study temporarily on-hold (6), Failed screening (3), Failed spinal (2), No study staff available (2), Surgery deferred (2), Current participation in another clinical trial (1), Intra-operative peri-prosthetic fracture (1), Patient chose another hospital (1), Surgery cancelled due to profuse vomiting after spinal anesthesia (1), and Uni-compartmental knee arthroplasty instead of total knee (1).

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee and hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee and hip replacements
Overall Study
STARTED
62
16
Overall Study
COMPLETED
62
16
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
0
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

4-drug Nerve Block Versus Plain Local Anesthetic for Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Analgesia in Veterans

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=62 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve blocks consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee and Hip replacements.
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=16 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee and Hip replacements.
Total
n=78 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
66.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.4 • n=39 Participants
65.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.6 • n=41 Participants
66 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5 • n=35 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
6 Participants
n=39 Participants
3 Participants
n=41 Participants
9 Participants
n=35 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
56 Participants
n=39 Participants
13 Participants
n=41 Participants
69 Participants
n=35 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Caucasian
53 Participants
n=39 Participants
15 Participants
n=41 Participants
68 Participants
n=35 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
African American
8 Participants
n=39 Participants
1 Participants
n=41 Participants
9 Participants
n=35 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Other
1 Participants
n=39 Participants
0 Participants
n=41 Participants
1 Participants
n=35 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Hispanic
0 Participants
n=39 Participants
0 Participants
n=41 Participants
0 Participants
n=35 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
62 Participants
n=39 Participants
16 Participants
n=41 Participants
78 Participants
n=35 Participants
BMI (kg/m^2)
32.6 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.6 • n=39 Participants
31.9 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.1 • n=41 Participants
32 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5 • n=35 Participants
Diabetes
23 participants
n=39 Participants
6 participants
n=41 Participants
29 participants
n=35 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, Post-Operative day after surgery (7AM-9AM EST)

Population: All participants who completed the protocol.

SF-MPQ version 2 total score difference of Post-Operative Day 1 value minus the Baseline value. Differences can range from -10 to +10. Negative scores indicate a decrease in pain.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=62 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=16 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (Version 2) Total Score Difference From Baseline
-1.85 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.04
-0.05 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.38

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, Post-Operative day after surgery (7AM-9AM EST)

Population: All participants who completed the protocol.

Continuous pain subscore difference of Post-Operative Day 1 value minus the Baseline value. Differences can range from -10 to +10. Negative scores indicate a decrease in pain.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=62 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=16 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
SF-MPQ2 Continuous Pain Subscore Difference From Baseline
-2.29 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.43
0.33 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.76

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, Post-Operative day after surgery (7AM-9AM EST)

Population: All participants who completed the protocol.

Intermittent pain subscore difference of Post-Operative Day 1 value minus the Baseline value. Differences can range from -10 to +10. Negative scores indicate a decrease in pain.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=62 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=16 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
SF-MPQ2 Intermittent Pain Subscore Difference From Baseline
-2.79 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.66
-1.14 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.27

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Day after surgery (7AM-9AM EST)

Population: All participants who completed the protocol. There was missing data for one participant in the Bupivacaine Only arm.

Quality of Recovery 15 Item Scale, total score 0-150, 150 reflecting a perfect score and better recovery.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=62 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=15 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Quality of Recovery 15 Item Scale (QoR-15) Total Score
106.08 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 19.76
90.13 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 24.15

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks post-operation

Population: All participants who completed the protocol. There was missing data for one participant in the Bupivacaine + BCD arm.

Quality of Recovery 15 Item Scale, total score 0-150, 150 reflecting a perfect score and better recovery.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=61 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=16 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Quality of Recovery 15 Item Scale (QoR-15) Total Score
128.89 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 24.26
130.06 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 21.75

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks post-operation

Population: All participants who completed the protocol. There was missing data for four participants in the Bupivacaine + BCD arm.

The Standing Balance Test score based on the ability of the participant to perform a series of standing exercises. Scores range from 0 to 4, with 4 indicating a longer time holding the stand (a better outcome). This test is germane to subjects with total joint replacement that are easily performed in the clinical settings. The test will capture the domains of muscle strength and activation, and balance.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=58 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=16 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Performed-based Physical Function is Assessed Using the Standing Balance Test.
3.86 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.44
3.94 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.25

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks post-operation

Population: All of the participants who completed the protocol. There was missing data for four participants in the Bupivacaine + BCD arm.

The Self-Selected Gait Speed Test is a timed test based on the ability of the participant to walk a 4 meter distance. This test is germane to subjects with total joint replacement that are easily performed in the clinical settings. The test captures the ability to walk.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=58 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=16 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Performed-based Physical Function is Assessed Using the Self-Selected Gait Speed Test.
0.88 meters per second
Standard Deviation 0.20
0.94 meters per second
Standard Deviation 0.21

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks post-operation

Population: All participants who completed the protocol. There was missing data for five participants in the Bupivacaine + BCD arm.

The Repeated Chair Stand Test is a timed test based on the ability of the participant to perform a series of standing exercises. This test is germane to subjects with total joint replacement that are easily performed in the clinical settings. The test will capture the domains of muscle strength and activation, and balance.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=57 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + BCD (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=16 Participants
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Performed-based Physical Function is Assessed Using the Repeated Chair Stand Test.
12.34 seconds
Standard Deviation 4.31
11.93 seconds
Standard Deviation 2.09

Adverse Events

Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 1 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Bupivacaine + BCD (Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone)
n=62 participants at risk
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine plus buprenorphine-clonidine-dexamethasone (Bupivacaine-BCD) Bupivacaine + CBD (clonidine, buprenorphine, dexamethasone): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Bupivacaine Only (Control Arm)
n=16 participants at risk
Patients will receive a nerve block consisting of bupivacaine only. Bupivacaine Only (control arm): Nerve blocks before surgery of L2-L4 and L4-S3 for Knee/Hip replacements
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Foot drop
1.6%
1/62 • Number of events 1 • Throughout hospitalization, and at 2-week and 6-week postoperative visits.
Adverse events reported here only include those that were unexpected in the normal course of surgery/anesthesia.
0.00%
0/16 • Throughout hospitalization, and at 2-week and 6-week postoperative visits.
Adverse events reported here only include those that were unexpected in the normal course of surgery/anesthesia.

Additional Information

Brian A. Williams, MD, MBA

VA Pittsburgh Health System, and University of Pittsburgh

Phone: 412-360-1602

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place