A Phase 4 interventional study of Perform adductor canal block with liposomal bupivacaine. in Optimal Volume of Liposomal Bupivacaine, sponsored by Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University. Recruiting at 1 site in China. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 85 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-10.
Sponsored by Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University · Phase 4, Interventional, and Treatment
Building on Bayesian design methodologies from volume optimization studies of ropivacaine in shoulder surgery, this study pioneers the application of a seamless dose-finding strategy in knee ACB. Utilizing advanced statistical models (BOIN/BOP2 design), we aim to systematically evaluate the volume-effect relationship of liposomal bupivacaine, providing precise dosing recommendations to advance personalized and optimized analgesic protocols for knee surgery.
Exclusion Criteria:
Phase I: The Bayesian Optimal Interval (BOIN) design is adopted to evaluate the volume escalation of liposomal bupivacaine (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 mL). There are 3 cases in each group, with an initial volume of 20 mL (referring to previous ACB studies d). The target incidence of adverse events (quadriceps femoris muscle strength decline ≥ 25%) is set at 10%, and the maximum volume is limited to 40 mL to avoid local anesthetic toxicity. Phase II: Cohort expansion is carried out at volume levels lower than the MTV. The Bayesian Optimal Phase II (BOP2) design is adopted, with each group expanded to 12 cases to evaluate the balance point between block success rate and motor function preservation.
Drug: Perform adductor canal block with liposomal bupivacaine.
Patient Positioning: Supine with the surgical limb slightly flexed and externally rotated. Operator Setup: The operator stands on the surgical side, with the ultrasound machine positioned contralaterally. The anterior thigh is sterilized and draped. Ultrasound Technique: A high-frequency (5-12 MHz) linear ultrasound probe (Sonosite M-Turbo), protected by a 3M Tegaderm dressing, is placed perpendicular to the skin at the midpoint between the femoral trochanter and the superior patellar margin. The probe is maneuvered to visualize the adductor canal structures. Needle Insertion: After local anesthesia at the insertion site, a 22G 80 mm needle is advanced using an in-plane technique until the tip reaches the triangular hypoechoic area lateral to the femoral artery. Following negative aspiration for blood, 1.33% liposomal bupivacaine is injected around the target site.
The incidence rate of the decline in the motor function of the quadriceps femoris muscle
The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the quadriceps femoris muscle is measured using a handheld dynamometer (HHD) and then re - measured 30 minutes after the block. A decrease in muscle strength of ≥ 25% is defined as a significant impact on motor function.
Time frame: Before block and 30 minutes after block
The success rate of the block
Sensory block at 30 minutes after surgery (pinprick test at several sites in the area innervated by the saphenous nerve) and a resting NRS score ≤ 3 points. The sensory block is evaluated using a pinprick test for sensation. This test is performed before the adductor canal block (baseline) and every 5 minutes after the nerve block until 30 minutes have elapsed or the surgery begins. The sensory test is carried out in the distribution area of the saphenous nerve (medial side of the lower leg), as well as on the anterior, medial, lateral, and posteromedial sides of the surgical knee joint, and above the patella. A sensory score of 2 indicates normal sensation, 1 indicates hypoesthesia, and 0 indicates no sensation. We define a successful adductor canal block as the occurrence of sensory block in the surgical knee joint within 30 minutes after the nerve block, that is, the loss of sensation to the pinprick (sensory score of 1 or lower).
Time frame: 30 minutes after block
Numerical Rating Scale scores during resting/movement
The NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) scores range from 0 to 10 in total. A score of 0 represents no pain, while a score of 10 indicates severe pain. A score of 0 to 3 indicates mild pain, which is tolerable and does not affect sleep. A score of 4 to 6 indicates moderate pain, which is more obvious and will somewhat interfere with the patient's daily life and sleep, but is still bearable. A score of 7 to 10 indicates severe pain, which is intense and difficult to endure, seriously affecting the patient's daily life and sleep. The lower the score, the better the analgesic effect of the adductor canal block performed with liposomal bupivacaine.
Time frame: At 30 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours and 72hours after surgery
Consumption of opioid drugs
converted into morphine equivalent, mg. After performing the adductor canal block with liposomal bupivacaine, the lower the consumption of opioid drugs, the better the effect of nerve block and the more prolonged the blocking duration.
Time frame: within 72 hours after surgery
Duration of analgesia
The time from the completion of the block to the first need for rescue analgesia.
Time frame: within 72 hours after surgery
The time of the first out-of-bed activity
Observe the impact of adductor canal block on the patient's motor function. If the patient can get out of bed and move for the first time within a relatively short and reasonable period, it usually indicates that the nerve block has a good effect. It can effectively relieve pain without excessively affecting the patient's motor function, enabling the patient to regain a certain degree of activity ability at an earlier stage.
Time frame: 7 days after surgery
Patient satisfaction
Total score of 10 points (0 points: extremely dissatisfied, 10 points: extremely satisfied). Higher scores indicate greater patient satisfaction and better efficacy of nerve block.
Time frame: 7 days after surgery
Satisfaction with postoperative rehabilitation
The patient's self-evaluated recovery experience (Likert 5-point scale). The Likert five-point scale employs an odd-numbered grading system (5-point scale), with each item corresponding to five options representing an intensity gradient of attitudes or experiences. Common expressions include: Strongly Disagree / Very Poor (1 point) Disagree / Poor (2 points) Neutral / Average (3 points) Agree / Good (4 points) Strongly Agree / Very Good (5 points) The total score is calculated by summing the scores of all items, reflecting the overall positivity of the evaluated experience (e.g., recovery experience).
Time frame: before discharge
The decline range of the quadriceps femoris muscle strength
The percentage change in muscle strength 30 minutes after the block compared to the baseline level.
Time frame: 30 minutes after block
Toxic reactions of local anesthetics (such as tinnitus, convulsions)
Pay attention to avoiding blood vessels. Aspirating during drug injection can reduce the toxic reaction of local anesthetics caused by the entry of local anesthetics into the bloodstream.
Time frame: within 30 minutes after block
Neurological complications(numbness, tingling pain, muscle weakness)
Observe whether there is nerve injury. Muscle Strength Grading Standards (0-5 Scale) Assessment Method: To assess for neurological complications, inquire whether the patient experiences pain and if numbness is present in the saphenous nerve distribution area. Assess muscle strength levels through resistance-based grading. Grade 0 : No muscle contraction (complete paralysis) Limbs show no movement or tension. Grade 1 : Slight muscle contraction without joint movement Muscle twitching visible, no limb motion. Grade 2: Joint movement possible horizontally but cannot resist gravity Leg slides on bed but cannot lift. Grade 3 : Can complete motions against gravity but cannot resist external resistance Lifts leg off the bed but collapses under light pressure. Grade 4: Can resist partial external force but weaker than normal Holds position against mild resistance but fatigues quickly. Grade 5: Normal strength, fully resists resistance.
Time frame: 7 days after surgery
Whether it affects the sciatic nerve
Examine whether the sensory and motor function of the sciatic nerve is impaired
Time frame: within 72 hours after surgery
Incidence of Falls
he incidence of falls can reflect the impact of nerve block on quadriceps muscle strength; a higher incidence indicates a greater effect on motor function.
Time frame: 7 days after surgery
Incidence of rebound pain
This outcome measure was collected from the first enrolled subject but formally added to the registry via protocol amendment in September 2026. Rebound pain was defined as the transition from well-controlled pain (NRS≤3) while the block is working to severe pain (NRS ≥7) within 72 h of block performance.
Time frame: within 72 hours postoperatively
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
Contact study teamGet an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University