Duration of peripheral nerve blocks in opioid-tolerant individuals: A study protocol

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pain Management
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Peripheral nerve blocks are effective for postoperative pain relief.
• Opioid tolerance may diminish local anesthetic efficacy, a phenomenon observed in spinal and infiltration anesthesia.
• The effect of opioid tolerance on peripheral nerve blocks in humans remains unevaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the onset time and duration of radial nerve blocks in opioid-tolerant versus opioid-naïve individuals.
• To investigate potential differences in sensory and motor blockade effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Matched-group study design comparing 20 opioid-tolerant and 20 opioid-naïve individuals.
• Ultrasound-guided radial nerve block administration.
• Primary outcome: duration of sensory nerve blockade; Secondary outcomes: onset of sensory and motor blockade, duration of motor blockade.

Main Results:

• Results pending study completion.

Conclusions:

• This study will elucidate the comparative effectiveness of peripheral nerve blocks in opioid-tolerant and opioid-naïve populations.
• Findings may inform tailored postoperative pain management protocols for opioid-tolerant patients receiving nerve blocks.