Clinical Research Directory

Benefits of Using Virtual Reality Preoperatively in Managing Anxiety During Outpatient Foot Bone Surgery

Forefoot bone surgeries, such as surgical correction of hallux valgus, are routine orthopedic procedures. Outpatient surgery is offered in the vast majority of cases with regional anesthesia. Even though it is a simple and quick surgical procedure, it affects the patient's body image, who will worry about the outcome. Furthermore, because the anesthesia is regional, the patient can hear the surgical procedures being performed, which generates anxiety. Finally, the lack of information about the preoperative process, from arrival at the hospital and then in the ward to the operating room, can generate additional anxiety for the patient. One way to reduce anxiety related to surgery could be the use of virtual reality (VR) techniques. VR uses technologies that simulate a user's physical presence in an environment artificially generated by software. VR has already been used in studies to distract patients from pain and stress. During surgery, wearing a VR headset can reduce anxiety and stress related to the procedure. However, there are currently few studies investigating the use of VR to reduce preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. This research is based on the hypothesis that visualizing the perioperative journey via a VR headset, some time before the procedure, would reduce preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. The main objective is to evaluate the effect of using virtual reality on preoperative anxiety, through the visualization of a virtual perioperative journey by patients before surgery.

Evaluation of a New Tool for Measuring Hindfoot Alignment Under Load and in 3D.

The automated TALAS measurement tool, working with the Cone Beam 3D scanner under load, provides a reproducible measurement of the Foot Ankle Offset (FAO). It is possible to determine an average value and the standard deviation of FAO in the relevant population. And to differentiate significantly the populations with a neutral alignment, varus or valgus.

Bicarbonate Addition to Lidocaine-Epinephrine in Surgery Under WALANT

Distal upper limb and distal lower limb surgery performed under local anesthesia using the WALANT technique (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) has become standard practice in ambulatory orthopedic surgery. Current infiltration mixtures used by orthopedic surgeons include lidocaine-epinephrine with the addition of 8.4% bicarbonate to reduce injection-related pain and improve analgesia duration. However, the clinical benefit of bicarbonate addition remains insufficiently supported by evidence and may increase preparation complexity and risk, including potential solution crystallization. The aim of the ROPIWA-2 trial is to investigate whether omission of bicarbonate from the local infiltration mixture is noninferior to bicarbonate addition with respect to early postoperative quality of recovery on postoperative day 1. We hypothesize that removing bicarbonate does not impair postoperative quality of recovery after ambulatory hand and foot surgery under WALANT. Expected benefits include confirmation of a simpler, ready-to-use anesthetic solution that is easier and safer to use, without reducing patient comfort or recovery. The expected risks are those normally associated with this type of procedure.

Periarticular Injection Versus Popliteal Block

This study aims to determine the effectiveness and safety of two standard of care perioperative procedures for controlling pain following ankle and hindfoot osteotomy or fusion or ankle fracture repair.

Mepivacaine Versus Bupivacaine Onset Time in Ultrasound-guided Ankle Blocks

The purpose of this research is to determine if both local anesthetics (mepivacaine and bupivacaine) are similar in their onset of sensory block to assess the efficiency of ultrasound-guided ankle blocks in our practice. Currently it is the standard of care to perform ankles blocks with both mepivacaine and bupivacaine. However, given similarity in their safety profile researchers would like to compare if one is non-inferior to the other in terms of onset time of ankle block.

The 5-in-2 Ankle Block for Outpatient Foot Surgery: the FIT Block Study

Hallux valgus surgery is known as a painful surgery. Qualitative pain management is the key to successful early recovery and rehabilitation. Popliteal sciatic nerve block is widely used but at risk of falling due to prolonged motor blockade and foot drop. Ankle block is recognized as a good regional anesthesia technique but requires five skin punctures. FIT block might be a good alternative, aiming to provide an optimal anesthetic block, good postoperative analgesia without motor blockade (calf muscles) and necessitating only two skin punctures. The purpose of this study is to describe the technique and the efficacy and safety of the FIT block for outpatient foot surgery

Liposomal Bupivacaine With Dexamethasone for Foot Surgery

This study aims to understand the ideal formulation to utilize in saphenous nerve and popliteal nerve blocks for foot and ankle procedures. It will examine the use of liposomal bupivacaine alone or liposomal bupivacaine with dexamethasone prior to foot and ankle procedures in peripheral nerve blocks. We will compare liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) and liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) combined with dexamethasone to determine if the addition of dexamethasone significantly decreases postoperative narcotic use and prolongs analgesic effects when administered in a popliteal and saphenous block prior to foot and ankle orthopedic procedures.