Supraclavicular Bupivacaine Vs. Supraclavicular Liposomal Bupivacaine for Orthopedic Wrist Surgery

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL · Dec 11, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two types of pain relief for patients undergoing surgery to repair a broken wrist (known as a distal radius fracture). The researchers want to compare the effectiveness of a standard pain relief medication called bupivacaine with a newer version called liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel). The aim is to see which option provides better pain control after surgery, helping to reduce the need for stronger pain medications like opioids.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and scheduled for wrist fracture surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Unfortunately, individuals with certain conditions, such as significant nerve disorders or who are pregnant, cannot join. If you decide to enroll, you can expect to receive one of the two pain relief options and be monitored closely for pain management during your recovery. This study aims to improve pain control after surgery and ensure that patients receive the best care possible.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age greater than or equal to 18
• • Scheduled for orthopedic wrist surgery at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Contraindications to regional anesthesia
• • Emergent surgery Open fractures will be treated emergently and will not allow adequate lead time for enrollment in this study. Also, open fractures are usually accompanied by other traumatic injuries that would confound the pain related outcomes in this study.
• • Significant peripheral neuropathy or neurological disorder affecting the upper extremity
• • Pregnancy Pregnant women have physiologic changes that make them more sensitive to local anesthetics. That would introduce a confounding element in interpreting the effectiveness of the peripheral nerve blocks being studied.
• • Cognitive or psychiatric condition that might affect patient assessment and/or inability to provide informed consent.