Effects of Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Pain Following Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, WORCESTER · Jul 25, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how different methods of providing pain relief affect patients after lumbar fusion surgery, which is a procedure to join two or more bones in the lower back. Specifically, the study compares a traditional method called subcutaneous anesthesia, where the anesthetic is injected just under the skin, to a newer technique called the erector spinae plane block (ESPB). The ESPB method involves injecting the anesthetic near the muscles and bones of the back using a special imaging technique to ensure accuracy. Researchers want to see if patients receiving the ESPB experience less pain and need fewer opioid medications compared to those receiving subcutaneous anesthesia.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old and scheduled for lumbar spinal fusion surgery. They should be able to understand and sign a consent form, and not have any recent history of opioid use for more than 10 days prior to the surgery. It’s important to note that pregnant women, non-English speakers, and those with certain medical conditions will not be eligible for this trial. Participants can expect to share their pain experiences and medication use after the surgery, helping to determine which anesthesia method might be more effective for reducing pain and opioid use post-surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • The individual has signed and dated a study specific informed consent form approved by the Institutional Review Board at UMMHC.
• • The individual is at least 18 years of age.
• • The individual is skeletally mature (over the age of 18).
• • The patient is scheduled for a one or two level lumbar spinal fusion.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients unable to consent for themselves.
• • Pregnant women.
• • Non-English speaking subjects.
• • Prisoners.
• • Spinal fusion procedures for a diagnosis of fracture, tumor, and/or infection.
• • Patients who have used greater than 150 morphine milligram equivalents of opioids in the month prior to their operation.
• • Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater.