Pain management for adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Pediatric Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery. A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blinded Clinical Trial.

PHASE4 · Poznan University of Medical Sciences · NCT05938959

This study is testing whether a special pain management technique can help teenagers feel less pain and use fewer opioids after surgery for scoliosis.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorPoznan University of Medical Sciences (other)
Locations2 sites (Poznań, Wielkopolska and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05938959 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks in managing postoperative pain in adolescents undergoing surgery for idiopathic scoliosis. It compares pain scores and opioid consumption between a treatment group receiving ESP blocks and a control group receiving a sham block. The blocks are administered under ultrasound guidance at two vertebral levels, and the study aims to determine their impact on pain control and rehabilitation. Primary outcomes include postoperative pain scores and opioid requirements until hospital discharge.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 10-18 who are scheduled for surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of chronic pain, morbid obesity, previous surgeries, or infections at the block application site may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and opioid use in adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar nerve block techniques for pain management, suggesting potential efficacy in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age 10-18 years old
* pediatric patients who will undergo the surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* a history of chronic pain (use of gabapentin/pregabalin for \> 3 months or opioid use \> 1 repeated opioid prescription in the last three months)
* morbid obesity (BMI \> 99th percentile)
* previous surgery
* back abnormalities
* infection at block application area
* coagulopathy

Where this trial is running

Poznań, Wielkopolska and 1 other locations

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: Scoliosis Idiopathic, pain management, peripheral nerve block, erector spinae plane block, euromonitoring

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.