NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding opioid misuse in adolescents after spinal surgery

Official title: Prevalence and predictors of opioid misuse after adolescent spinal fusion surgery

Funded at Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-10264717 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how teens aged 12-18 handle pain after spinal fusion surgery and whether they might misuse opioids afterward, so we can find better ways to help them manage their pain safely.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSeattle Children's Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2019
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2020
Award (this year)$99,949
NIH project number3UH3HD102038-02S1
Project IDNIH-10264717 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-18 who are scheduled to undergo spinal fusion surgery.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not undergoing spinal fusion surgery or are older than 18 years may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how adolescents who undergo spinal fusion surgery manage their pain and the potential for opioid misuse following their treatment. It focuses on collecting data from youth aged 12-18 to identify risk factors associated with opioid misuse after surgery. Participants will report on their mental health, previous opioid use, and pain management preferences before and after their surgery. The study aims to improve understanding of opioid misuse in this vulnerable population and inform better pain management strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management practices and reduced risk of opioid misuse among adolescents after surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding psychosocial factors can help mitigate opioid misuse, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Seattle Children's Hospital
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Palermo, Tonya M — Seattle Children's Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Palermo, Tonya M

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.