The Effect of Distal Versus Proximal iPACK on Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often results in significant postoperative pain, which can hinder recovery despite advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques. Traditional pain management methods like femoral nerve blocks may impair motor function, delaying rehabilitation. The iPACK block, targeting the posterior knee without affecting motor control, offers a promising alternative. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two iPACK block approaches-proximal (at the distal femoral shaft) and distal (between the femoral condyles)-in managing postoperative pain in TKA patients. In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 120 participants, pain scores, opioid use, and time to rescue analgesia will be assessed. The hypothesis is that the distal iPACK block provides superior pain relief, potentially improving patient outcomes and recovery.

NCT Number	NCT07080892
Lead Sponsor	Comenius University
Conditions	Postoperative Pain Following Knee Arthroplasty
Enrollment	120 participants
Start Date	2025-02-12
Primary Completion	2026-12-31 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-05-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-02-04