Exparel and Education to Avoid Opioids After Carpal Tunnel Release

This study is testing a new way to manage pain after carpal tunnel surgery, aiming to reduce the need for opioid pain medications. Researchers are comparing two approaches: one uses a long-lasting local anesthetic called Exparel (which works by a LIPOSOMAL mechanism) along with education about opioids. The other approach uses a standard local anesthetic (non-liposomal bupivacaine), opioid education, and opioids. The study wants to see if Exparel and education alone can effectively control pain. You might be able to join if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, are over 18, and haven't used opioids in the last six months. The main goal is to measure your pain levels after surgery using a Visual Analog Scale within the first few months. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 64 participants. It compares two different pain management strategies after carpal tunnel surgery.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your pain levels will be evaluated within the first few months of the study duration.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT03867539

Exparel and Education to Avoid Opioids After Carpal Tunnel Release

Recruiting
PHASE4Ages 18+InterventionalSupportive care
Kettering Health Network
~64 participants
Updated 2026-04-08 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Differing pain management strategy

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Evaluation of post operative pain levels via Visual Analog Scale
Measured over Within the first few months of study duration
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

NCT03867539

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 2 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio

    Dayton, Ohiostudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio

    Dayton, Ohiostudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Ronald Buczek, DO · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Kettering Health Network

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed either by physical exam or EMG
age \>18.

Exclusion

allergy to bupivacaine
pre-operative opioid usage within the last six months
patients allergic to Percocet or acetaminophen
patients taking tricyclic antidepressants (interaction with bupivacaine)
vulnerable populations (prisoners or pregnant women)
  • Evaluation of post operative pain levels via Visual Analog ScaleWithin the first few months of study duration

    The investigators aim to evaluate pain in either arm of the study, followed over a three day course. As several studies have shown pain to be wholly or mostly resolved by post-operative day three. Patients will answer questionnaire to include Visual Analog Scale for pain, and amount of pain medication taken. The Visual Analog Scale for pain ranges from a score of 0 to 10, with 0 being "no pain", 5 being "distressing pain", and 10 being "the worst pain imaginable"