ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTIONNCT07601529
Comparison of Anterior Sciatic Nerve Block and Adductor Magnus Muscle Plane Block for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
A study testing Adductor canal block, Anterior sciatic nerve block and Adductor magnus plane block in people with ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION, run by Ataturk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequently associated with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain despite its arthroscopic nature, owing to the complex sensory innervation of the knee involving the femoral, sciatic, and obturator nerves. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION
- What is being tested?
- Adductor canal block, Anterior sciatic nerve block and Adductor magnus plane block
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2024to 1 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II,
- Scheduled for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Who cannot join
- cardiovascular disease,
- hepatic dysfunction,
- coagulopathy or current use of anticoagulant therapy,
- inability to cooperate,
- known allergy to any of the study medications,
- refusal to participate in the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Anterior Sciatic Nerve Block and Adductor Magnus Muscle Plane Block Added to Adductor Canal Block in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequently associated with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain despite its arthroscopic nature, owing to the complex sensory innervation of the knee involving the femoral, sciatic, and obturator nerves. Multimodal analgesic strategies, particularly peripheral nerve blocks, are therefore widely used to improve postoperative pain control and reduce opioid consumption. Although anterior sciatic nerve block can be combined with adductor canal block in the supine position, its application may be technically challenging because of the deep localization of the sciatic nerve. Recently, adductor magnus muscle plane block has emerged as a potentially easier alternative by indirectly targeting the terminal branches of the sciatic nerve through fascial plane spread. In this study, we compared the efficacy of anterior sciatic nerve block and adductor magnus muscle plane block, both combined with adductor canal block.
Read the detailed description
This single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial included 90 patients aged 18-45 years with ASA physical status I-II who underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under spinal anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups to receive either adductor canal block alone (Group C), adductor canal block combined with anterior sciatic nerve block (Group ASB), or adductor canal block combined with adductor magnus muscle plane block (Group AMB). Randomization was performed using a computer-generated sequence with concealed allocation through sealed opaque envelopes. Although the anesthesiologist performing the blocks was aware of group allocation, all postoperative assessments were conducted by an independent blinded investigator. All regional blocks were ultrasound-guided and performed preoperatively by the same experienced anesthesiologist using standardized techniques and local anesthetic volumes. Procedural characteristics, including block performance time, needle visibility, needle passes, and sonographic visibility of target structures, were systematically recorded. Sensory blockade was assessed at predefined intervals using cold-warm discrimination tests across multiple nerve distributions.
All patients received standardized spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine, as well as a multimodal postoperative analgesic regimen including intravenous paracetamol, dexketoprofen, and fentanyl-based patient-controlled analgesia. Postoperative pain scores at rest and during movement were evaluated at multiple time points during the first 24 hours, while cumulative fentanyl consumption, time to first PCA demand, and rescue analgesic requirements were recorded. Opioid-related adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, pruritus, dry mouth, and urinary retention, were also documented. In addition, postoperative motor function of the tibialis anterior and quadriceps femoris muscles was assessed using a three-point qualitative motor scale at predefined postoperative intervals up to 48 hours.
- Being tested
- Adductor canal block, Anterior sciatic nerve block, Adductor magnus plane block
- Keywords
- Anterior Sciatic Nerve Block, Adductor Magnus Muscle Plane Block, Adductor Canal Block, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Adductor canal blockProcedure or surgery
Also called ACB
Ultrasound transducer was placed perpendicular to the thigh to visualize the sartorius muscle, femoral artery and vein, and the adductor canal. Following infiltration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with 2% lidocaine, a 22-gauge, 10-cm echogenic needle was advanced in-plane from lateral to medial toward the adductor canal. After confirming correct needle tip placement with 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution, 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered.
Anterior sciatic nerve blockProcedure or surgery
Also called ASB
An ultrasound transducer was placed perpendicular to the anterior thigh. The sartorius muscle, femoral artery and vein, adductor longus muscle, adductor magnus muscle, and the sciatic nerve were identified. Following infiltration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with 2% lidocaine, a 22-gauge, 10-cm echogenic needle was advanced toward the sciatic nerve under ultrasound guidance. Nerve stimulation was applied, and an appropriate motor response in the sciatic nerve distribution was obtained at 0.2-0.5 mA. After injection of 2 mL of 0.9% saline and visualization of perineural spread to confirm correct needle placement, 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered.
Adductor magnus plane blockProcedure or surgery
Also called AMB
An ultrasound transducer was placed perpendicular to the thigh to visualise the sartorius muscle, femoral artery and vein, adductor longus, and the underlying adductor magnus muscle. Following infiltration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with 2% lidocaine, a 22-gauge, 10-cm echogenic needle was advanced until the posterior fascia of the adductor magnus muscle was penetrated. After injection of 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution, correct needle placement was confirmed by observing fluid spread beneath the posterior surface of the adductor magnus muscle. Subsequently, 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Adductor Canal Block | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will receive an ultrasound-guided adductor canal block using 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine. Blocks will be performed under sterile ultrasound guidance by an experienced anesthesiologist who will not participate in postoperative assessments. All patients will receive standardized spinal anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. Receives: Procedure: Adductor canal block |
| Adductor Canal + Anterior Sciatic nerve block | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will receive an ultrasound-guided anterior sciatic nerve block (20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine) and adductor canal block (20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine). Blocks will be performed under sterile ultrasound guidance by an experienced anesthesiologist who will not participate in postoperative assessments. All patients will receive standardized spinal anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. Receives: Procedure: Adductor canal block; Procedure: Anterior sciatic nerve block |
| Adductor Canal + Adductor magnus plane block | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will receive an ultrasound-guided adductor magnus plane block (20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine) and an adductor canal block (20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine). Blocks will be performed under sterile ultrasound guidance by an experienced anesthesiologist who will not participate in postoperative assessments. All patients will receive standardized spinal anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. Receives: Procedure: Adductor canal block; Procedure: Adductor magnus plane block |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Opioid consumption
Postoperative opioid consumption
Measured: 0-4 hours, 4-8 hours, 8-24 hours, Total 24-hour
Secondary outcomes (4)
Pain Scores (VAS) at Rest and During Movement
Pain intensity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). Assessments will be performed at rest and during movement at predefined postoperative time points.
Measured: PACU, 1st hour, 2nd hours, 4th hours, 8th hours, 12th hours, 24th hours
Adverse Effects
Opioid-Related Adverse Effects
Measured: up to 24 hours
Evaluation of Nerve Blockade after Nerve Block Application
Post-block sensory assessment was performed at predefined time intervals using a cold-warm discrimination test.
Sensory evaluation was conducted at the plantar surface of the foot for the tibial nerve, the dorsal surface of the foot for the superficial peroneal nerve, the posterolateral aspect of the leg for the sural nerve, the posterior aspect of the thigh for the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve, and at the medial malleolus for the saphenous nerve.
Measured: 5., 10., 15., 20., 30., and 45. minutes
Quadriceps and Anterior Tibialis Muscle Strength
Muscle strength will be assessed using standardized manual muscle testing (paralysis/paresis/normal) for quadriceps and anterior tibialis muscles.
Measured: 4th hours, 8th hours, 12th hours, 24th hours, 48th hours
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 May 2026
- Study start1 Apr 2024
- Primary completion1 Mar 2026
- Study completion1 Apr 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTIONStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ataturk UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ataturk University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ahmet Murat Yayik, Ataturk University
- Investigators
- Samet Kapakin, Professor, Study chair, Ataturk University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07601529
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- B.30.2.ATA.0.01.00/761
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 11 May 2026
- Last updated
- 22 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Anterior Sciatic Nerve Block and Adductor Magnus Muscle Plane Block Added to Adductor Canal Block in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07601529
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- B.30.2.ATA.0.01.00/761
- Keywords
- Anterior Sciatic Nerve Block, Adductor Magnus Muscle Plane Block, Adductor Canal Block, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ataturk UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Apr 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequently associated with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain despite its arthroscopic nature, owing to the complex sensory innervation of the knee involving the femoral, sciatic, and obturator nerves. Multimodal analgesic strategies, particularly peripheral nerve blocks, are therefore widely used to improve postoperative pain control and reduce opioid consumption. Although anterior sciatic nerve block can be combined with adductor canal block in the supine position, its application may be technically challenging because of the deep localization of the sciatic nerve. Recently, adductor magnus muscle plane block has emerged as a potentially easier alternative by indirectly targeting the terminal branches of the sciatic nerve through fascial plane spread. In this study, we compared the efficacy of anterior sciatic nerve block and adductor magnus muscle plane block, both combined with adductor canal block.
Detailed description
This single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial included 90 patients aged 18-45 years with ASA physical status I-II who underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under spinal anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups to receive either adductor canal block alone (Group C), adductor canal block combined with anterior sciatic nerve block (Group ASB), or adductor canal block combined with adductor magnus muscle plane block (Group AMB). Randomization was performed using a computer-generated sequence with concealed allocation through sealed opaque envelopes. Although the anesthesiologist performing the blocks was aware of group allocation, all postoperative assessments were conducted by an independent blinded investigator. All regional blocks were ultrasound-guided and performed preoperatively by the same experienced anesthesiologist using standardized techniques and local anesthetic volumes. Procedural characteristics, including block performance time, needle visibility, needle passes, and sonographic visibility of target structures, were systematically recorded. Sensory blockade was assessed at predefined intervals using cold-warm discrimination tests across multiple nerve distributions.
All patients received standardized spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine, as well as a multimodal postoperative analgesic regimen including intravenous paracetamol, dexketoprofen, and fentanyl-based patient-controlled analgesia. Postoperative pain scores at rest and during movement were evaluated at multiple time points during the first 24 hours, while cumulative fentanyl consumption, time to first PCA demand, and rescue analgesic requirements were recorded. Opioid-related adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, pruritus, dry mouth, and urinary retention, were also documented. In addition, postoperative motor function of the tibialis anterior and quadriceps femoris muscles was assessed using a three-point qualitative motor scale at predefined postoperative intervals up to 48 hours.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Adductor Canal Block | Active comparator | Procedure: Adductor canal blockParticipants in this arm will receive an ultrasound-guided adductor canal block using 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine. Blocks will be performed under sterile ultrasound guidance by an experienced anesthesiologist who will not participate in postoperative assessments. All patients will receive standardized spinal anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. |
| Adductor Canal + Anterior Sciatic nerve block | Active comparator | Procedure: Adductor canal block, Procedure: Anterior sciatic nerve blockParticipants in this arm will receive an ultrasound-guided anterior sciatic nerve block (20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine) and adductor canal block (20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine). Blocks will be performed under sterile ultrasound guidance by an experienced anesthesiologist who will not participate in postoperative assessments. All patients will receive standardized spinal anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. |
| Adductor Canal + Adductor magnus plane block | Active comparator | Procedure: Adductor canal block, Procedure: Adductor magnus plane blockParticipants in this arm will receive an ultrasound-guided adductor magnus plane block (20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine) and an adductor canal block (20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine). Blocks will be performed under sterile ultrasound guidance by an experienced anesthesiologist who will not participate in postoperative assessments. All patients will receive standardized spinal anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II,
- Scheduled for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- cardiovascular disease,
- hepatic dysfunction,
- coagulopathy or current use of anticoagulant therapy,
- inability to cooperate,
- known allergy to any of the study medications,
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Adductor canal blockAlso: ACBUltrasound transducer was placed perpendicular to the thigh to visualize the sartorius muscle, femoral artery and vein, and the adductor canal. Following infiltration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with 2% lidocaine, a 22-gauge, 10-cm echogenic needle was advanced in-plane from lateral to medial toward the adductor canal. After confirming correct needle tip placement with 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution, 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered. | Procedure or surgery | Adductor Canal + Adductor magnus plane block, Adductor Canal + Anterior Sciatic nerve block, Adductor Canal Block |
| Anterior sciatic nerve blockAlso: ASBAn ultrasound transducer was placed perpendicular to the anterior thigh. The sartorius muscle, femoral artery and vein, adductor longus muscle, adductor magnus muscle, and the sciatic nerve were identified. Following infiltration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with 2% lidocaine, a 22-gauge, 10-cm echogenic needle was advanced toward the sciatic nerve under ultrasound guidance. Nerve stimulation was applied, and an appropriate motor response in the sciatic nerve distribution was obtained at 0.2-0.5 mA. After injection of 2 mL of 0.9% saline and visualization of perineural spread to confirm correct needle placement, 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered. | Procedure or surgery | Adductor Canal + Anterior Sciatic nerve block |
| Adductor magnus plane blockAlso: AMBAn ultrasound transducer was placed perpendicular to the thigh to visualise the sartorius muscle, femoral artery and vein, adductor longus, and the underlying adductor magnus muscle. Following infiltration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with 2% lidocaine, a 22-gauge, 10-cm echogenic needle was advanced until the posterior fascia of the adductor magnus muscle was penetrated. After injection of 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution, correct needle placement was confirmed by observing fluid spread beneath the posterior surface of the adductor magnus muscle. Subsequently, 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered. | Procedure or surgery | Adductor Canal + Adductor magnus plane block |
Primary outcome
Opioid consumption
Time frame: 0-4 hours, 4-8 hours, 8-24 hours, Total 24-hour
Postoperative opioid consumption
4 secondary outcomes
Pain Scores (VAS) at Rest and During Movement
Time frame: PACU, 1st hour, 2nd hours, 4th hours, 8th hours, 12th hours, 24th hours
Adverse Effects
Time frame: up to 24 hours
Evaluation of Nerve Blockade after Nerve Block Application
Time frame: 5., 10., 15., 20., 30., and 45. minutes
Quadriceps and Anterior Tibialis Muscle Strength
Time frame: 4th hours, 8th hours, 12th hours, 24th hours, 48th hours
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 May 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Samet Kapakin, Professor study chair
Ataturk University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Adductor canal block, Anterior sciatic nerve block and Adductor magnus plane block in people with ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION, run by Ataturk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Opioid consumption (time frame: 0-4 hours, 4-8 hours, 8-24 hours, Total 24-hour). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 May 2026.