Clinical Research Directory

Characteristics of Persistent Pain Composition Following Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: a Descriptive Study

Despite high success rates of hip and knee arthroplasty, up to 20% of patients report moderate-to-severe pain (NRS \> 3) persisting beyond the expected healing period. This investigator-initiated, descriptive cohort study will re-invite approximately 100 consenting patients with persistent postoperative pain-identified from a pool of \~7 000 respondents-to complete standardized assessments of neuropathic (DN4), nociplastic (IASP criteria + Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire) and nociceptive (KOOS/HOOS pain domains) pain. Primary outcomes are the prevalence of potential nociplastic pain and the proportion experiencing significant pain in two or more mechanistic categories. Secondary analyses will compare baseline vs. re-evaluated DN4 scores, FSQ and KOOS/HOOS distributions, and examine differences between patients with and without possible neuropathic pain. Findings will inform targeted pre- and postoperative pain management strategies.

Virtual Menstrual Pain Approaches in Females

This research study is testing two self-care approaches that may help prevent or reduce period pain in young females with primary dysmenorrhea, a common condition that causes painful menstrual cramps. Participants will be placed by chance into 1 of 3 groups: auricular acupressure, Baduanjin qigong, or a self-care education comparison group. The auricular acupressure and Baduanjin groups will receive online training and then practice the treatment on their own for 12 weeks. The main question is whether these two approaches can reduce the severity of menstrual pain. The study will also look at whether they can improve other symptoms that often happen with period pain, such as tiredness, poor sleep, anxiety, low mood, trouble concentrating, and reduced physical function. Researchers will also study stool and blood-related biological markers to better understand whether changes in gut bacteria and body metabolism may be linked to symptom improvement. A total of 145 participants will take part in the study at NTU, and any side effects or other safety concerns will be checked every week.

Comparison of Conventional Buccal Nerve Block Versus Buccal Nerve Trunk Block During Extraction of Posterior Mandibular Teeth

This randomised control trial will compare the efficacy of conventional buccal nerve block versus buccal trunk block using visual analogue scale to evaluate pain and additional anesthesia injection during extraction of mandibular molars.

Distolingual Infiltration Verses Conventional Nerve Block in Mandibular Third Molar Extraction

This randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of adding distolingual infiltration to conventional inferior alveolar and buccal nerve blocks for mandibular third molar extraction. A total of 120 patients will be allocated into two groups. Pain during flap elevation and bone guttering will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale.

Postoperative Pain and Swelling After Flap vsFlapless Technique For Mandibular Third Molar Surgery

This randomized controlled trial evaluates postoperative pain and facial swelling following surgical removal of partially impacted mandibular third molars using flap versus flapless techniques. The aim is to determine which method results in lower postoperative morbidity on the second postoperative day.