Erector spinae plane block for minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery
Official title: Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT05856539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hospital for Special Surgery, New York Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 15, 2023 |
| Main results expected | July 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 6, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05856539 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 scheduled for minimally invasive TLIF with an ASA classification of 1, 2, or 3.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results with the use of ESP blocks in similar surgical contexts, indicating potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA
- Email: gangh@hss.edu
- Phone: 919-260-9699
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.