Study of Regional Anesthesia Using Erector Spinae Plane Blocks to Reduce Opioid Use and Pain After Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spine Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Opioid overuse is a major public health issue in the United States, especially for patients with chronic pain from degenerative spine conditions. This trial investigates whether adding regional analgesic techniques can reduce the need for opioids after minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery. The study focuses on how these methods may lower opioid use and related complications following common lumbar spine procedures. The trial compares two groups one receiving an erector spinae plane block ESPB with bupivacaine, epinephrine, and clonidine before surgery, and a control group receiving a placebo injection of saline using the same technique. ESPB involves ultrasound-guided injection near the spine to provide multi-level pain relief lasting from 4 to 36 hours. The surgeries include minimally invasive decompression and fusion procedures. Participants will be monitored for opioid consumption during their hospital stay and up to 90 days after surgery. Researchers will also assess pain scores, opioid-related complications like urinary retention and delirium, hospital length of stay, and patient-reported pain and function up to six weeks post-operation. The study uses a randomized, placebo-controlled design with detailed follow-up to evaluate the benefits and safety of ESPB in this surgical setting.

Regional Anesthesia in Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spine Surgery