Erector spinae plane block for minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery

Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT05856539

This study tests if a special pain relief technique called the erector spinae plane block can help people recovering from a specific type of back surgery feel less pain and use fewer pain medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital for Special Surgery, New York (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05856539 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block in patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the ESP block or standard care without it. The study aims to assess various outcomes, including opioid usage, postoperative pain levels, and recovery metrics. By comparing these two groups, the trial seeks to determine if the ESP block can reduce reliance on opioids and improve overall patient recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 scheduled for minimally invasive TLIF with an ASA classification of 1, 2, or 3.

Not a fit: Patients with ASA classification of 4 or higher, chronic opioid use, or those undergoing revision surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid use and improve pain management for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with the use of ESP blocks in similar surgical contexts, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-80
* Patients scheduled for MIS TLIF (any level) with the principal investigator
* ASA 1, 2, 3

Exclusion Criteria:

* ASA 4 or higher
* BMI \>40
* Chronic opioid use (daily use for \> 3 months)
* Revision surgery, any history of previous lumbar spine surgery
* Allergy to any of the study medications
* Non-English speaking
* Chronic renal insufficiency or failure (creatinine \>2) or severe hepatic disease (cirrhosis, failure)
* Pregnancy
* Any concomitant surgery

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Patients With Spinal Stenosis Indicated for MIS TLIF, Erector spinae plane block, Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, Minimally invasive spine surgery, Lumbar spine, Spinal fusion

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.