Actively Recruiting
Ketamine for Pain, Opioid Use, and Mental Health in Orthopedic Trauma Patients
Led by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center · Updated on 2026-03-24
90
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
129 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if ketamine, given during surgery, can help improve recovery for adults with serious orthopedic trauma. The study will test whether ketamine reduces pain, lowers the need for opioids, and improves mental health outcomes like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does ketamine reduce pain after surgery compared to standard anesthesia? Does ketamine reduce the amount of opioids patients need for pain control? Does ketamine improve symptoms of depression and PTSD after orthopedic trauma? Researchers will compare patients who receive ketamine during surgery with those who receive standard anesthesia without ketamine to see if ketamine helps improve both physical and psychological recovery. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to receive either a single dose of ketamine or standard anesthesia during surgery. Report their pain using a simple pain scale (Visual Analog Scale, VAS). Complete short surveys about mood and mental health (PHQ-9 for depression and PCL-5 for PTSD) at several time points after surgery. Allow the research team to review their electronic medical records to measure opioid prescriptions during recovery. Attend follow-up visits in clinic or by secure telehealth (e.g., Zoom) at 1-7 days, 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Ketamine for Pain, Opioid Use, and Mental Health in Orthopedic Trauma Patients
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18-65
- Undergoing acute operative fixation for musculoskeletal trauma
- Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 15
- Ability to provide informed consent or consent by a legally authorized representative
You will not qualify if you...
- Age under 18 or over 65
- Use of ketamine for preoperative or postoperative sedation
- Known allergy or contraindication to ketamine
- Prior unsuccessful ketamine therapy for major depressive disorder or PTSD
- Severe psychiatric conditions or psychotic features
- History of dementia or glaucoma
- Currently engaged in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy or PTSD psychotherapy started within the past 3 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock
Lubbock, Texas, United States, 79415
Actively Recruiting
2
University Medical Center
Lubbock, Texas, United States, 79415
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Evan J Hernandez, MBA
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here