Multimodal Analgesia Versus Peripheral Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain Management After Lower Limb Injury Surgery

Multimodal Analgesia Versus Peripheral Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain Management After Lower Limb Injury Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this clinical trial is to understand the effectiveness of femoral nerve block, combined sciatic and femoral nerve block, lumbar plexus block, epidural block, and intravenous analgesia pump in the application of lower limb injury (total knee replacement, knee arthroscopy, patella fracture, femoral shaft fracture) surgery. It will also understand the safety of the drugs liposomal bupivacaine and ropivacaine. The main question it aims to answer is: Does nerve block reduce the number of times participants need to use analgesics postoperatively? The researchers will compare femoral nerve block, combined sciatic and femoral nerve block, lumbar plexus block, epidural block, and intravenous analgesia pump to see which analgesic method has the best postoperative analgesic effect. Participants will: undergo nerve block first, then endotracheal intubation general anesthesia after entering the operating room; record vital signs during surgery, record postoperative analgesic doses, NRS pain scores, patient satisfaction, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Lower Limb Injury
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: Femoral Nerve Block; Device: General Aneasthesia; Device: Combined Sciatic and Femoral Nerve Block; Device: Lumbar plexus block; Procedure: Epidural Analgesia; Drug: Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia

Detailed Description

Study Design: This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled, comparative clinical trial with both participant and clinician blinding. This trial was designed to assess both the superiority and non-inferiority of different analgesic modalities in the management of postoperative pain following lower limb surgery. The study evaluated the effectiveness of femoral nerve block, combined sciatic and femoral nerve block, lumbar plexus block, epidural analgesia, and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for patients undergoing procedures such as total knee replacement, knee arthroscopy, patella fracture repair, and pediatric femoral shaft fracture repair. Participants were recruited from Baogang Hospital, Inner Mongolia. This study received approval from the Medical Ethics Committee of Baogang Hospital, Inner Mongolia, and was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. All participants provided informed written consent.

Patients：A total of 150 patients, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, II, or III and aged 2 years or older, undergoing postoperative analgesia for lower limb injuries were recruited between February 2025 and May 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to one of five study groups, with 30 participants in each group.

Randomization and Blinding：This study employed block randomization to generate the random allocation sequence. A block size of 6 was set, and the random sequence was generated using dedicated software (the blockrand package in R version 4.3.2). The allocation of the random sequence was performed by an independent third party, and allocation concealment was implemented using sequentially numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes. The research team remained blinded throughout the randomization process and was not involved in the generation or allocation of the random sequence.

Intervention： Upon arrival to the operating room, patients will be monitored with electrocardiography, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry. Patients will be placed in the prone position with their arms abducted and internally rotated. Ultrasound guidance will be used for all regional anesthesia procedures (SonoSite Edge II; Fujifilm SonoSite, Bothell, WA, USA) with a linear 13-6 MHz ultrasound probe (HFL50x; Fujifilm SonoSite, Bothell, WA, USA). For each block, a 5 mL test dose will be injected initially, followed by observation for clinical signs of a successful block. After confirming correct placement, the remaining dose of the anesthetic agent will be injected. Following administration of the regional anesthesia, general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation will be performed. Anesthesia induction will be achieved using propofol (1.5-2 mg/kg i.v.), rocuronium (1-2 mg/kg i.v.), and fentanyl (1-2 μg/kg i.v.). Anesthesia will be maintained using sevoflurane or desflurane, with inhaled concentration adjusted based on Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring. A continuous infusion of remifentanil (0.05-0.2 μg/kg/min) will be administered, with adjustments to maintain blood pressure and heart rate within ±20% of baseline values. Following induction, patients will be mechanically ventilated in pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) mode. The ventilator (Aestiva; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA) settings will be: tidal volume 6-8 mL/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure 0 cm H2O, inspiratory to expiratory ratio 1:2, respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute (BPM), and fraction of inspired oxygen 41%.

Femoral Nerve Block (FNB) Group: In the femoral nerve block (FNB) group, the femoral nerve was blocked distal to the inguinal ligament and lateral to the femoral artery. Under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance using a short-axis out-of-plane approach, a 22-gauge insulated needle was advanced adjacent to the femoral nerve. Following confirmation of correct needle tip placement, a 20 mL volume of either 266 mg liposomal bupivacaine (diluted as indicated) or 0.2% ropivacaine was injected. This was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 5-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered at an initial bolus of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.

Combined Sciatic and Femoral Nerve Block (CS-FNB) Group: In the combined sciatic and femoral nerve block (CS-FNB) group, the femoral nerve block was performed as described above. The sciatic nerve block was performed at either the gluteal region or popliteal fossa. Under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance using either an in-plane or out-of-plane approach, a 22-gauge insulated needle was advanced adjacent to the sciatic nerve. Following confirmation of correct needle tip placement, a 20 mL volume of either 266 mg liposomal bupivacaine (diluted as indicated) or 0.2% ropivacaine was injected. This was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 5-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered at an initial bolus of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.

Lumbar Plexus Block (LPB) Group: In the lumbar plexus block (LPB) group, the lumbar plexus was blocked paraspinally within the psoas muscle. Under sterile conditions, ultrasound guidance, or with the assistance of a nerve stimulator, using either an in-plane or out-of-plane approach, a 22-gauge insulated needle was advanced within the psoas muscle adjacent to the lumbar plexus. Following confirmation of correct needle tip placement, a 20 mL volume of either 266 mg liposomal bupivacaine (diluted as indicated) or 0.2% ropivacaine was injected. This was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 5-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered at an initial bolus of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.

Epidural Analgesia: For epidural analgesia, an initial bolus of 5-15 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine was administered followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at a rate of 3-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, an initial bolus of 0.2% ropivacaine at 0.5-1 mg/kg was administered, not exceeding a maximum total dose of 2-2.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.

Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA): For intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), fentanyl was administered at a dose of 2 mcg/kg, diluted in 100 mL of normal saline. The basal infusion rate was set at 2 mL/hr, with a PCA dose of 2 mL and a lockout interval of 15 minutes.

Outcomes and measures：Participants were followed up in the ward by two specially trained research nurses who were blinded to the participants' treatment group assignments. Outcome assessments were conducted at the following time points: prior to treatment (baseline), 2 hours postoperatively, 6 hours postoperatively, 12 hours postoperatively, and 24 hours postoperatively. These assessments were performed either in person or via telephone.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 150
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Xiaguang Duan, Master's degree; Phone Number: +86 13314720012; Email: alonlord2023@gmail.com

Study Locations

• China
  • Inner Mongolia
    • Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China, 014010
      • Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital
      • Contact: Xiangyu Wang, Master's degree; Phone Number: +86 0472 5992830; Email: KevinDuan0901@gmail.com

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I-III
• Patients (or their guardians) voluntarily participate in this study and sign a written informed consent form
• Patients (or their guardians) are able to understand the study content and cooperate with the study protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known allergy to local anesthetics or opioid analgesics.
• Presence of contraindications to local or epidural anesthesia.
• Presence of undiagnosed or poorly characterized neuropathic pain.
• Presence of severe mental illness that would impede the participant's ability to cooperate with study assessment and treatment procedures.
• Clinically significant coagulopathy or current use of anticoagulant medications.
• Presence of infection at the planned puncture site or systemic infection.
• Pregnancy or lactation.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Quadruple

Number of Arms

5

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: FNB Group; In the femoral nerve block (FNB) group, the femoral nerve was blocked distal to the inguinal ligament and lateral to the femoral artery. Under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance using a short-axis out-of-plane approach, a 22-gauge insulated needle was advanced adjacent to the femoral nerve. Following confirmation of correct needle tip placement, a 20 mL volume of either 266 mg liposomal bupivacaine (diluted as indicated) or 0.2% ropivacaine was injected. This was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 5-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered at an initial bolus of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.	Device: Femoral Nerve Block; In the femoral nerve block (FNB) group, the femoral nerve was blocked distal to the inguinal ligament and lateral to the femoral artery. Under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance using a short-axis out-of-plane approach, a 22-gauge insulated needle was advanced adjacent to the femoral nerve. Following confirmation of correct needle tip placement, a 20 mL volume of either 266 mg liposomal bupivacaine (diluted as indicated) or 0.2% ropivacaine was injected. This was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 5-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered at an initial bolus of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.; Device: General Aneasthesia; Following administration of the regional anesthesia, general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation will be performed. Anesthesia induction will be achieved using propofol (1.5-2 mg/kg i.v.), rocuronium (1-2 mg/kg i.v.), and fentanyl (1-2 μg/kg i.v.). Anesthesia will be maintained using sevoflurane or desflurane, with inhaled concentration adjusted based on Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring. A continuous infusion of remifentanil (0.05-0.2 μg/kg/min) will be administered, with adjustments to maintain blood pressure and heart rate within ±20% of baseline values. Following induction, patients will be mechanically ventilated in pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) mode. The ventilator (Aestiva; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA) settings will be: tidal volume 6-8 mL/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure 0 cm H2O, inspiratory to expiratory ratio 1:2, respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute (BPM), and fraction of inspired oxygen 41%.
Experimental: CS-FNB Group; In the combined sciatic and femoral nerve block (CS-FNB) group, the femoral nerve block was performed as described above. The sciatic nerve block was performed at either the gluteal region or popliteal fossa. Under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance using either an in-plane or out-of-plane approach, a 22-gauge insulated needle was advanced adjacent to the sciatic nerve. Following confirmation of correct needle tip placement, a 20 mL volume of either 266 mg liposomal bupivacaine (diluted as indicated) or 0.2% ropivacaine was injected. This was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 5-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered at an initial bolus of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.	Device: General Aneasthesia; Following administration of the regional anesthesia, general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation will be performed. Anesthesia induction will be achieved using propofol (1.5-2 mg/kg i.v.), rocuronium (1-2 mg/kg i.v.), and fentanyl (1-2 μg/kg i.v.). Anesthesia will be maintained using sevoflurane or desflurane, with inhaled concentration adjusted based on Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring. A continuous infusion of remifentanil (0.05-0.2 μg/kg/min) will be administered, with adjustments to maintain blood pressure and heart rate within ±20% of baseline values. Following induction, patients will be mechanically ventilated in pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) mode. The ventilator (Aestiva; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA) settings will be: tidal volume 6-8 mL/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure 0 cm H2O, inspiratory to expiratory ratio 1:2, respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute (BPM), and fraction of inspired oxygen 41%.; Device: Combined Sciatic and Femoral Nerve Block; In the combined sciatic and femoral nerve block (CS-FNB) group, the femoral nerve block was performed as described above. The sciatic nerve block was performed at either the gluteal region or popliteal fossa. Under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance using either an in-plane or out-of-plane approach, a 22-gauge insulated needle was advanced adjacent to the sciatic nerve. Following confirmation of correct needle tip placement, a 20 mL volume of either 266 mg liposomal bupivacaine (diluted as indicated) or 0.2% ropivacaine was injected. This was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 5-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered at an initial bolus of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.
Experimental: LPB Group; In the lumbar plexus block (LPB) group, the lumbar plexus was blocked paraspinally within the psoas muscle. Under sterile conditions, ultrasound guidance, or with the assistance of a nerve stimulator, using either an in-plane or out-of-plane approach, a 22-gauge insulated needle was advanced within the psoas muscle adjacent to the lumbar plexus. Following confirmation of correct needle tip placement, a 20 mL volume of either 266 mg liposomal bupivacaine (diluted as indicated) or 0.2% ropivacaine was injected. This was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 5-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered at an initial bolus of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.	Device: General Aneasthesia; Following administration of the regional anesthesia, general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation will be performed. Anesthesia induction will be achieved using propofol (1.5-2 mg/kg i.v.), rocuronium (1-2 mg/kg i.v.), and fentanyl (1-2 μg/kg i.v.). Anesthesia will be maintained using sevoflurane or desflurane, with inhaled concentration adjusted based on Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring. A continuous infusion of remifentanil (0.05-0.2 μg/kg/min) will be administered, with adjustments to maintain blood pressure and heart rate within ±20% of baseline values. Following induction, patients will be mechanically ventilated in pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) mode. The ventilator (Aestiva; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA) settings will be: tidal volume 6-8 mL/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure 0 cm H2O, inspiratory to expiratory ratio 1:2, respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute (BPM), and fraction of inspired oxygen 41%.; Device: Lumbar plexus block; In the lumbar plexus block (LPB) group, the lumbar plexus was blocked paraspinally within the psoas muscle. Under sterile conditions, ultrasound guidance, or with the assistance of a nerve stimulator, using either an in-plane or out-of-plane approach, a 22-gauge insulated needle was advanced within the psoas muscle adjacent to the lumbar plexus. Following confirmation of correct needle tip placement, a 20 mL volume of either 266 mg liposomal bupivacaine (diluted as indicated) or 0.2% ropivacaine was injected. This was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 5-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered at an initial bolus of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.
Active Comparator: EA group; For epidural analgesia, an initial bolus of 5-15 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine was administered followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at a rate of 3-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, an initial bolus of 0.2% ropivacaine at 0.5-1 mg/kg was administered, not exceeding a maximum total dose of 2-2.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.	Procedure: Epidural Analgesia; For epidural analgesia, an initial bolus of 5-15 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine was administered followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at a rate of 3-10 mL/hr. For pediatric patients, an initial bolus of 0.2% ropivacaine at 0.5-1 mg/kg was administered, not exceeding a maximum total dose of 2-2.5 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/hr.
Experimental: PCA group; For intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), fentanyl was administered at a dose of 2 mcg/kg, diluted in 100 mL of normal saline. The basal infusion rate was set at 2 mL/hr, with a PCA dose of 2 mL and a lockout interval of 15 minutes.	Device: General Aneasthesia; Following administration of the regional anesthesia, general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation will be performed. Anesthesia induction will be achieved using propofol (1.5-2 mg/kg i.v.), rocuronium (1-2 mg/kg i.v.), and fentanyl (1-2 μg/kg i.v.). Anesthesia will be maintained using sevoflurane or desflurane, with inhaled concentration adjusted based on Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring. A continuous infusion of remifentanil (0.05-0.2 μg/kg/min) will be administered, with adjustments to maintain blood pressure and heart rate within ±20% of baseline values. Following induction, patients will be mechanically ventilated in pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) mode. The ventilator (Aestiva; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA) settings will be: tidal volume 6-8 mL/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure 0 cm H2O, inspiratory to expiratory ratio 1:2, respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute (BPM), and fraction of inspired oxygen 41%.; Drug: Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia; For intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), fentanyl was administered at a dose of 2 mcg/kg, diluted in 100 mL of normal saline. The basal infusion rate was set at 2 mL/hr, with a PCA dose of 2 mL and a lockout interval of 15 minutes.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Numerical Rating Scale(NRS)	The NRS, Numerical Rating Scale, is a rating system from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents the worst possible pain.	At baseline (before therapy), at 2 hours post-treatment, at 6 hours post-treatment, at 12 hours post-treatment, and at 24 hours post-treatment

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Postoperative Opioid Consumption	This measure records the total amount of opioid medication (e.g., fentanyl) consumed by the patient post-operatively. Both intravenous (via PCA) and oral opioid consumption will be recorded in total.	Total consumption measured at 24 hours post-treatment and at 48 hours post-treatment.
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV)	PONV is assessed by recording the presence or absence of nausea and vomiting. If present, the severity of nausea will be evaluated using a qualitative scale (e.g., none, mild, moderate, severe) or a scoring system such as the PONV score. The occurrence of vomiting will be recorded as a binary (yes/no) variable.	At 2 hours post-treatment, at 6 hours post-treatment, at 12 hours post-treatment and at 24 hours post-treatment.
Patient Satisfaction	Patient satisfaction with the pain management method is assessed using a standardized questionnaire, which includes questions about their perceived level of pain control, comfort with the analgesic technique, and their willingness to choose the same method again in the future, measured by a likert scale score (e.g. 1=Strongly Disagree, 5=Strongly Agree).	At 48 hours post-treatment.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Xiaguang Duan

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): January 20, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 10, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 14, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 14, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 14, 2025
• Last Verified: January 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Wounds and Injuries; Leg Injuries
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2024-MER-317

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: YES
• IPD Plan Description: All IPD that underlie results in a publication.
• IPD Sharing Time Frame: January 2026-January 2031
• IPD Sharing Access Criteria: A proposal that describes planned analyses must be submitted or whether a data sharing agreement must be signed.
• IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type: STUDY_PROTOCOL; SAP; ICF; CSR

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: Yes
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: Yes