Methadone for post-op spine surgery pain control

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, phase 4 study comparing perioperative methadone to standard intraoperative opioid therapy in adults undergoing elective spine procedures. Participants are assigned before surgery to receive methadone in addition to usual care or standard opioids, with outcomes including opioid consumption, perioperative pain control, and recovery metrics. The trial aims to determine if methadone can improve analgesia, reduce total opioid use in PACU and within 24 hours, and shorten recovery time. Data will be collected on morphine milligram equivalents and recovery indicators to assess tolerability and efficacy. The study is conducted at a single center in Lexington, Kentucky with Brandon Knopp as lead sponsor.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Undergoing elective spine surgery (e.g., fusion, decompression)
* Expected postoperative inpatient admission
* Able to provide informed consent
* Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) may be included if on stable maintenance therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of regional or neuraxial anesthesia
* Contraindication to methadone use (e.g., prolonged QTc, allergy, severe hepatic disease)
* Cognitive impairment precluding consent or accurate pain scoring

Where it's running

• University of Kentucky
  Lexington, Kentucky, United States Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.