Trial Outcomes & Findings for Lidocaine Versus Bupivacaine in Orthognathic Surgery (NCT NCT06450028)

NCT ID: NCT06450028

Last Updated: 2026-08-04

Results Overview

Pain will be measured by prompting participants to rank their pain on a scale (minimum 1, maximum 10; 1 meaning minimal pain and 10 meaning maximum pain) on each side of their mandible/maxilla.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE4

Target enrollment

64 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Outcome measures were assessed (1) approximately 2 hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, (2) approximately four hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, and (3) approximately one week after each subject's orthognathic procedures.

Results posted on

2026-08-04

Participant Flow

Subjects were enrolled at orthognathic work-up appointments between October 1, 2024, and August 1, 2025. Subjects were included if they were between the ages of 15 and 35 years and were undergoing an orthognathic procedure.

After randomization, subjects across both groups were excluded prior to their operation due to a canceled/rescheduled procedure, an additional procedure added to their orthognathic operation, or a withdrawn consent, as described in the Participant Flow. The remaining study participants received the allocated intervention and were assessed post-operatively.

Unit of analysis: Sides of jaw

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
All Study Participants
All participants received both local anesthetic interventions during their orthognathic procedure. A computerized random number generator was used to determine which side of the jaw received each intervention. One side of the jaw received 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200,000 epinephrine, and the contralateral side received 6.8 cc of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The interventions were administered once as peripheral nerve blocks at the beginning of the procedure.
Overall Study
STARTED
64 128
Overall Study
Received bupivacaine
50 50
Overall Study
Received lidocaine
50 50
Overall Study
COMPLETED
50 100
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
14 28

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
All Study Participants
All participants received both local anesthetic interventions during their orthognathic procedure. A computerized random number generator was used to determine which side of the jaw received each intervention. One side of the jaw received 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200,000 epinephrine, and the contralateral side received 6.8 cc of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The interventions were administered once as peripheral nerve blocks at the beginning of the procedure.
Overall Study
Procedure canceled/rescheduled
4
Overall Study
Additional procedure added
9
Overall Study
Withdrawal by Subject
1

Baseline Characteristics

Calculated excluding subjects (n=4) with canceled/rescheduled procedures.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
All Study Participants
n=128 Sides of jaw
All participants received both local anesthetic interventions during their orthognathic procedure. A computerized random number generator was used to determine which side of the jaw received each intervention. One side of the jaw received 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200,000 epinephrine, and the contralateral side received 6.8 cc of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The interventions were administered once as peripheral nerve blocks at the beginning of the procedure.
Age, Continuous
19.37 Years
n=64 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
34 Participants
n=64 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
30 Participants
n=64 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian, non-Hispanic
9 Participants
n=64 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Hispanic
4 Participants
n=64 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Other/Unknown
19 Participants
n=64 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White, non-Hispanic
32 Participants
n=64 Participants
Procedure Type
LFI
27 Participants
n=60 Participants • Calculated excluding subjects (n=4) with canceled/rescheduled procedures.
Procedure Type
BSSO
8 Participants
n=60 Participants • Calculated excluding subjects (n=4) with canceled/rescheduled procedures.
Procedure Type
BiMax
25 Participants
n=60 Participants • Calculated excluding subjects (n=4) with canceled/rescheduled procedures.

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Outcome measures were assessed (1) approximately 2 hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, (2) approximately four hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, and (3) approximately one week after each subject's orthognathic procedures.

Population: Data at specific post-operative timepoints was not collected if a subject was asleep, unable to communicate, refused participation, or was previously discharged.

Pain will be measured by prompting participants to rank their pain on a scale (minimum 1, maximum 10; 1 meaning minimal pain and 10 meaning maximum pain) on each side of their mandible/maxilla.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Lidocaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 6.8 cc of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Patient-Reported Numbness
2-Hours Post-Op
3.12 Scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.21
3.88 Scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.29
Patient-Reported Numbness
4-Hours Post-Op
3.53 Scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.76
4.53 Scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.58
Patient-Reported Numbness
1-Week Post-Op
1.60 Scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.88
1.58 Scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.64

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Outcome measures were assessed (1) approximately 2 hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, (2) approximately four hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, and (3) approximately one week after each subject's orthognathic procedures.

Population: Data at specific post-operative timepoints was not collected if a subject was asleep, unable to communicate, refused participation, or was previously discharged.

Participants will be asked to whether or not they are numb on each side of their mandible/maxilla.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Lidocaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 6.8 cc of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Number of Participants With Patient-Reported Numbness
2-Hours Post-Op
33 Participants
33 Participants
Number of Participants With Patient-Reported Numbness
4-Hours Post-Op
29 Participants
28 Participants
Number of Participants With Patient-Reported Numbness
1-Week Post-Op
41 Participants
37 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Outcome measures were assessed (1) approximately 2 hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, (2) approximately four hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, and (3) approximately one week after each subject's orthognathic procedures.

Population: The number of participants able to participate at each time point was dictated on their ability to participate and/or availability at each time point. Subjects unavailable for one time point (i.e. due to somnolence following anesthesia) were still able to participate at other time points

Overall preference was recorded by asking subjects to indicate whether they preferred one side of their face or had no preference, considering pain, numbness, and sensation.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Lidocaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 6.8 cc of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Number of Participants With Overall Side Preference
4-Hours Post-Op
15 Participants
2 Participants
Number of Participants With Overall Side Preference
2-Hours Post-Op
10 Participants
2 Participants
Number of Participants With Overall Side Preference
1-Week Post-Op
10 Participants
12 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Outcome measures were assessed (1) approximately 2 hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, (2) approximately four hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, and (3) approximately one week after each subject's orthognathic procedures.

Population: Data at specific post-operative timepoints was not collected if a subject was asleep, unable to communicate, refused participation, or was previously discharged.

Participants will be tested regarding their perception of light touch using Von Frey hairs (Baseline Evaluation Instruments). Von Frey hairs are standardized plastic filaments that are numbered numerically representing the weight in grams that it takes to bend the filament. The smallest perceivable filament size was recorded, with a smaller size indicating a higher degree of perception (minimum: 0.008 g, maximum: 300 g).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Lidocaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 6.8 cc of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Light Touch Perception
2-Hours Post-Op
0.023 Grams
Standard Deviation 0.070
0.023 Grams
Standard Deviation 0.070
Light Touch Perception
4-Hours Post-Op
0.016 Grams
Standard Deviation 0.018
0.015 Grams
Standard Deviation 0.015
Light Touch Perception
1-Week Post-Op
0.009 Grams
Standard Deviation 0.002
0.009 Grams
Standard Deviation 0.009

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Outcome measures were assessed (1) approximately 2 hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, (2) approximately four hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, and (3) approximately one week after each subject's orthognathic procedures.

Population: Data at specific post-operative timepoints was not collected if a subject was asleep, unable to communicate, refused participation, or was previously discharged.

Participants will be tested regarding their perception of directionality using Von Frey hairs (Baseline Evaluation Instruments). Von Frey hairs are standardized plastic filaments that are numbered numerically representing the weight in grams that it takes to bend the filament. The number of correctly identified directionality (left/right vs. up/down) measures out of 10 was recorded.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Lidocaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 6.8 cc of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Directionality Perception
2-Hours Post-Op
8.90 Correct Identifications (out of 10)
Standard Deviation 1.35
8.29 Correct Identifications (out of 10)
Standard Deviation 1.66
Directionality Perception
4-Hours Post-Op
7.24 Correct Identifications (out of 10)
Standard Deviation 2.89
7.93 Correct Identifications (out of 10)
Standard Deviation 2.17
Directionality Perception
1-Week Post-Op
9.27 Correct Identifications (out of 10)
Standard Deviation 1.48
9.27 Correct Identifications (out of 10)
Standard Deviation 1.45

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Outcome measures were assessed (1) approximately 2 hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, (2) approximately four hours after each subject's orthognathic procedure, and (3) approximately one week after each subject's orthognathic procedures.

Population: Data at specific post-operative timepoints was not collected if a subject was asleep, unable to communicate, refused participation, or was previously discharged.

Temperature sensation will be assessed by application of warm and cold water to mandible/maxilla using cotton tip applicators. Participants will be prompted to describe the temperature of the sensation they are experiencing. The number of correctly identified temperatures (hot vs. cold) out of 5 was recorded.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Bupivacaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride with 1:200,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Lidocaine-Treated Side
n=50 Participants
This side of the jaw received 6.8 cc of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The intervention was administered once as a peripheral nerve block at the beginning of the participant's orthognathic procedure.
Temperature Perception
2-Hours Post-Op (Hot)
3.26 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.67
3.16 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.73
Temperature Perception
2-Hours Post-Op (Cold)
4.06 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.61
4.23 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.43
Temperature Perception
4-Hours Post-Op (Hot)
3.34 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.67
3.28 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.65
Temperature Perception
4-Hours Post-Op (Cold)
3.86 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.66
3.79 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.54
Temperature Perception
1-Week Post-Op (Hot)
4.10 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.15
4.25 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.19
Temperature Perception
1-Week Post-Op (Cold)
4.19 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.27
4.21 Correct Identifications (out of 5)
Standard Deviation 1.24

Adverse Events

Bupivacaine-Treated Side

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

Lidocaine-Treated Side

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

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Mark Green

Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery

Phone: 617-355-7252

Results disclosure agreements

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