RecruitingPhase 4NCT07158476

Efficacy of Methylprednisolone for Pain Control After ACL Repair

Efficacy of Methylprednisolone for Pain Control After ACL Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

St. Louis University

Enrollment

90 participants

Start Date

Oct 21, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Pain Management ACL Surgery

Summary

Opioids are commonly used after orthopedic surgery for pain control but have been shown to increase complications, surgeries, readmissions, and risk for opioid use disorder. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of adding a methylprednisolone taper to the pain regimen after ACL repair surgery to determine if this results in decreased postoperative pain and opioid use without increasing complications.

Eligibility

Min Age: 13 YearsMax Age: 50 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Patient undergoing ACL repair or ACL reconstruction with tendon autograft
Age 13-50 years old
Able to provide informed consent or parent/legal guardian is able for minors

Exclusion Criteria9

Concurrent and significant injury to other bones or organs (Injury Severity Score of 4 or greater)
Revision ACL reconstruction
Concomitant additional ligament reconstruction or high tibial osteotomy
A history of alcohol abuse, substance abuse or chronic opioid use (filled opioid medication ×2 within 6 months of the surgery)
A history of renal failure (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2), liver dysfunction (child class, >B), severe heart disease (NYHA Class 4), diabetes, neurological or psychiatric diseases that may affect pain perception, and pre-existing immune suppression.
A history or active peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or current use of anticoagulation.
Patients currently taking oral or injectable glucocorticoids and those who have taken either within 1 month of the procedure.
Patients who are currently pregnant.
Patients who are unable to undergo the multimodal pain standardized protocol including those with comorbidities or medical allergies precluding the use of corticosteroids, gabapentin, hydrocodone, acetaminophen, ketorolac, and/or meloxicam.