This study involves a drug called Exparel that has been approved by the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), for application directly to wound sites. EXPAREL® is a long acting pain
reliever. It is being given in this study to see if it provides safe and effective pain
relief after ankle surgery. Because it is a long acting drug, it may lessen pain relief for
as much as 72 hours after surgery.
EXPAREL® has not been approved by the FDA for administration by popliteal block, which is the
method the study doctors will use to give the patients the drug. Giving the drug by popliteal
block involves inserting a small tube in to the back of the knee to deliver the drug. The
study doctors wish to determine if patients undergoing ankle surgery and receiving this drug
have less pain and less need for narcotic medication.