Anterior Cruciate Ligament Pain Study

Comparison Between Femoral Nerve Block and Adductor Canal Block for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of this study is to compare the pain control benefit of two different types of nerve blocks in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

This trial is a prospective, randomized, surgeon-blinded, two-armed trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of femoral nerve blocks versus adductor canal blocks for participants undergoing outpatient anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery.

The objective of this study is to compare the pain control benefit of two different types of nerve blocks. Ropivacaine, which is FDA-approved for use in both femoral nerve blocks as well as adductor canal blocks, will be utilized. The study will be comparing the efficacy between FDA approved treatments.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing scheduled anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery at the Emory Orthopaedic and Spine Center
• Patients willing and able to provide written informed consent
• Parents willing and able to provide written informed consent for minors

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are pregnant or lactating
• Patients with liver dysfunction or renal failure
• Patients with a known allergy to ropivacaine
• Patients with a local infection
• Patients who take chronic pain medications
• Patients with an opioid tolerance
• Patients with known coagulopathy or bleeding risk.
• Patients who are getting neuraxial anesthesia for surgery