Perioperative Vitamin C to Reduce Persistent Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty A Pilot Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a Phase II multicentre, pilot, randomized controlled trial to see if vitamin C can reduce ongoing pain in patients having total knee arthroplasty surgery. The study aims to check if a larger trial is feasible by enrolling 300 patients and comparing vitamin C to a placebo. The trial evaluates pain levels, medication use, mood, function, and quality of life after surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either vitamin C or placebo capsules. The vitamin C group takes 2000 mg orally within 4 hours before surgery, then 500 mg twice daily from day 1 after surgery through day 56 (8 weeks). The placebo group takes identical capsules on the same schedule. The study medications are prepared to look the same and labeled according to regulations. Follow-up visits occur on post-operative days 1-3, weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, plus 3- and 12-month visits. During the trial, participants report pain, opioid and analgesic use, medication adherence, adverse events, functional ability, mood, and quality of life. Researchers assess feasibility of recruitment, site compliance, and resources over 12 months. Secondary outcomes include persistent pain characteristics, neuropathic pain, development of complex regional pain syndrome, physical and emotional function, patient satisfaction, and safety. The total participation period includes up to 12 months of follow-up.

Perioperative Vitamin C to Reduce Persistent Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty