Comparing ultrasound and surgical methods for pain relief in lumbar fusion surgery

Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Versus Surgical Erector Spinae Plane Block With a Mixture of Bupivacaine and Dexmedetomidine in Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Phase 4 Interventional Fayoum University Hospital · NCT06958718

This study is testing whether using ultrasound to guide a pain relief technique works better than the traditional surgical method for patients recovering from back surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFayoum University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Fayoum, Fayoum Governorate)
Trial IDNCT06958718 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (UB) versus surgical erector spinae plane block (SB) in managing postoperative pain for patients undergoing elective lumbar spinal fusion surgeries. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and both the anesthesiologist and the patient will be blinded to the group assignments to ensure unbiased results. The study will assess pain relief and opioid consumption post-surgery, with the goal of improving pain management strategies and reducing complications associated with traditional opioid-based treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are ASA I-III patients scheduled for elective two or three-level lumbar spinal fusion surgeries.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities, contraindications to regional anesthesia, or those undergoing emergent surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management techniques that reduce reliance on opioids and enhance recovery after lumbar fusion surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using regional nerve blocks for postoperative pain management, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-Ⅲ patients scheduled for elective two or three levels of lumbar spinal fusion surgeries by the same surgical team.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal.
* Body mass index \> 30 kg/m2
* Significant renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular diseases.
* History of allergy to one of the study drugs (local anesthetics, opioids, or dexmedetomidine).
* Any contraindications to regional anesthesia like local infection or abnormal coagulation function.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
* Chronic opioid use, history of chronic pain, or cognitive disorders.
* Emergent surgeries.

Where this trial is running

Fayoum, Fayoum Governorate

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 Post Operative Painlumbar spinal surgeryPainESPBUltrasound guided ESPBSurgical ESPBDexmedetomidine
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.