Understanding opioid misuse in adolescents after spinal surgery

Prevalence and predictors of opioid misuse after adolescent spinal fusion surgery

NIH-funded research Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-10264717

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 IDNIH-10264717 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

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

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

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 performed: 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, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.