Comparing two anesthesia methods for scoliosis surgery in adolescents

A Prospective Study Comparing Total Intravenous Anesthesia With Propofol and Remifentanil vs. Propofol and Dexmedetomidine in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation

Phase 2 Interventional Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NCT06096181

This study tests which of two anesthesia combinations works better for pain management and recovery in teenagers having surgery for scoliosis.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorCedars-Sinai Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT06096181 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare two total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) combinations in adolescents with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Propofol with Remifentanil or Propofol with Dexmedetomidine. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these combinations, particularly focusing on the potential for opioid-induced hyperalgesia associated with Remifentanil. The goal is to determine which combination provides better pain management and recovery outcomes for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-18 years with a diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis who are scheduled for posterior spinal fusion surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with neuromuscular scoliosis or those allergic to any of the study medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of Dexmedetomidine in pediatric patients is off-label, similar studies in adults have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this population.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 12-18 years old
* American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status Classification (ASA Class) 1 and 2
* Have diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
* Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion with instrumentation for scoliosis correction
* Matched on age, sex, and the number of vertebral levels fused

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neuromuscular scoliosis
* Allergy to any of the multi-modal analgesia regimen drugs
* Use of serotonergic drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), mixed agonist/antagonist opioid analgesics

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosisMultimodal AnalgesiaOpioid Induced HyperalgesiaRemifentanilDexmedetomidinePosterior Spinal Fusion
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.