Comparing different types of nerve blocks for pain relief after back surgery
Comparison of Quadratus Lumborum Block With Medical Management for Pain Control After Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery
This study is testing two different types of nerve blocks to see if they can help adults feel less pain after back surgery compared to standard pain management.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04588389 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two types of local anesthetic blocks in the quadratus lumborum plane for postoperative pain control following lumbar spinal fusion surgery. A total of 30 adult patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard multimodal pharmacological management, standard management plus Quadratus Lumborum II block, or standard management plus Quadratus Lumborum III block. The study will measure opioid consumption, pain levels, and any side effects experienced by the patients to determine the best approach for pain management.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40-80 who are scheduled for lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of drug abuse, chronic pain unrelated to back issues, or those who are opioid tolerant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and reduced opioid use for patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using nerve blocks for postoperative pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult Patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery. * Patients from 40-80 years. Exclusion Criteria: * Recent drug abuse * History of illicit drug use * Chronic pain patients not related to the back lesions. * Opioid tolerant patients. * Patients with any lower extremity weaknesses or deficits. * Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification more than 3. * Coagulopathy. * Infection near or in the area of the block. * Pregnant patients. * Uncooperative patients who refuse care which directly effects research participation or clinical care. * If the surgeon reports performing non-typical fusion. * The presence of intraoperative complications like nerve injury or abnormal results of neuromonitoring and extensive dissection. * Vulnerable populations (prisoner, mental impairment / dementia, pregnant, etc.) * Subjects on chronic buprenorphine therapy (either for opioid replacement or pain control)
Where this trial is running
Worcester, Massachusetts
- UMASS Memorial Medical Center — Worcester, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eman Nada, MD — University of Massachusetts, Worcester
- Study coordinator: Ryan M DeWolf, MS
- Email: ryan.dewolf@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 9783021857
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.