A Double-Blind Prospective RCT Assessment of ESP Blocks for Analgesia Following Posterior Spinal Fusion

Duke University

Summary

This prospective randomized double-blind study evaluates the efficacy of erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks on postoperative pain in patients undergoing cervical or lumbar posterior spinal fusion. Patients will receive either 0.5% bupivacaine plus liposomal bupivacaine or 0.5% plain bupivacaine. Outcomes include opioid consumption over 72 hours, pain scores, length of stay, and time to ambulation.

Eligibility

Age range: 18–75 years
Sex: All
Healthy volunteers: No

Detailed criteria

Inclusion Criteria * English speaking * Age 18-75 * ASA physical status 1-3 * Undergoing elective cervical or lumbar posterior spinal fusion (≤3 levels) Exclusion Criteria * Age \<18 or \>75 * ASA IV or V * Non-English speaking * BMI \>40 * Opioid dependence * Chronic pain * Anticoagulation or coagulopathy * Injection site infection * Hepatic or renal insufficiency * Allergy to study drugs * Pregnancy * Inability to communicate with investigators

Interventions

Drug
ESP Block with Bupivacaine
Cervical and lumbar ESP blocks performed under ultrasound guidance using plain bupivacaine.
Drug
ESP Block with Bupivacaine + Liposomal Bupivacaine
Cervical and lumbar ESP blocks performed under ultrasound guidance using bupivacaine admixed with liposomal bupivacaine.

Location

Duke University
Durham, North Carolina

A Double-Blind Prospective RCT Assessment of ESP Blocks for Analgesia Following Posterior Spinal Fusion

Summary

Eligibility

Interventions

Location

Run this study?

Details

Conditions