Efficacy of Methylprednisolone for Pain Control After ACL Repair (NCT07158476)
Efficacy of Methylprednisolone for Pain Control After ACL Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Opioids are commonly used after orthopedic surgery for pain control but have been shown to increase complications, surgeries, readmissions, and risk for opioid use disorder. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of adding a methylprednisolone taper to the pain regimen after ACL repair surgery to determine if this results in decreased postoperative pain and opioid use without increasing complications.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (10 items).
Location: Saint Louis University — St Louis, Missouri
Age range: 13 Years to 50 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Concurrent and significant injury to other bones or organs (Injury Severity Score of 4 or greater)
- Revision ACL reconstruction
- Concomitant additional ligament reconstruction or high tibial osteotomy
- A history of alcohol abuse, substance abuse or chronic opioid use (filled opioid medication ×2 within 6 months of the surgery)
- A history of renal failure (\<60 mL/min/1.73 m2), liver dysfunction (child class, \>B), severe heart disease (NYHA Class 4), diabetes, neurological or psychiatric diseases that may affect pain perception, and pre-existing immune suppression.
- A history or active peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or current use of anticoagulation.
- Patients currently taking oral or injectable glucocorticoids and those who have taken either within 1 month of the procedure.
- Patients who are currently pregnant.
- Patients who are unable to undergo the multimodal pain standardized protocol including those with comorbidities or medical allergies precluding the use of corticosteroids, gabapentin, hydrocodone, acetaminophen, ketorolac, and/or meloxicam.
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Saint Louis University — St Louis, Missouri
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (314) 617-3405
Email: scott.kaar@ssmhealth.com
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
Explore by condition: All ACL Surgery clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.