NCT06886815 Popliteal Nerve Block for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair Surgery
| NCT ID | NCT06886815 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Women's College Hospital |
| Condition | Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 80 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-03-17 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-12 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 80 participants in total. It began in 2026-03-17 with a primary completion date of 2027-12.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Achilles tendon rupture is common, yet the value of popliteal nerve block for postoperative pain control during surgical repair remains uncertain. Despite widespread use, evidence supporting its analgesic effectiveness is limited, and both popliteal nerve block and Achilles tendon repair carry risks of nerve injury. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial will evaluate whether adding a popliteal nerve block to standard systemic analgesia improves postoperative pain and reduces opioid use in patients undergoing acute Achilles tendon rupture repair. Secondary outcomes will examine the incidence and impact of nerve complications on recovery, including return to physical activity and functional performance.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 - 65 * ASA classification: I - III * BMI \< 35 kg/m2 * Undergoing acute Achilles tendon rupture repair surgery as a day surgery procedure Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing neurological deficits or peripheral neuropathy in the distribution of the tibial or common peroneal nerves * Local infection * Contraindication to regional anesthesia (e.g., bleeding diathesis, coagulopathy) * History of use of over 30 mg oxycodone or equivalent per day * Contraindication to any component of a standard multi-modal analgesia * Allergy to local anesthetics * History of significant psychiatric conditions that may affect patient assessment * Pregnancy * Inability to provide informed consent * Patient refusal of popliteal nerve blockade * Prior Achilles tendon surgeries on the operative leg * Unable to speak or read English
Contact & Investigator
Richard Brull, MD, FRCPC
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University Health Network, Toronto
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06886815 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06886815 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06886815 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at didem.bozak@wchospital.ca for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06886815 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Toronto, Canada.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06886815 clinical trial?
NCT06886815 is sponsored by Women's College Hospital. The principal investigator is Richard Brull, MD, FRCPC at University Health Network, Toronto. The trial plans to enroll 80 participants.