Studying the Lateral, Anterior, Medial LAM Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block for Pain Relief in Thigh Skin Graft Donor Sites

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new type of nerve block called the Lateral, Anterior, Medial LAM femoral cutaneous block in patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting surgeries. The study focuses on patients who have donor sites on the thigh, where postoperative pain can be significant. Traditional nerve blocks may reduce pain but can cause loss of motor function this study aims to see if the LAM block can reduce sensation in the thigh area without affecting leg movement. The LAM nerve block is a relatively new approach designed to target the lateral and anterior femoral cutaneous nerves, providing pain relief specifically to the anterolateral thigh area. This observational case series involves mapping the area of sensation change after the nerve block is applied to each patient. The main measure is the size of the area with altered sensation around 20 minutes after the nerve block placement. Participants will be monitored shortly after the nerve block is given to assess sensory changes and ensure motor function is preserved. Researchers will collect data on how consistent the sensation changes are and how large the affected area is. The study is led by the University of Washington and is planned to run until the end of 2026. Participants will be adults scheduled for skin graft surgeries with donor sites on the thigh and will be observed during their normal surgical care without additional treatments.

The Lateral, Anterior, Medial (LAM) Femoral Cutaneous Block: A Case Series Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA