Reducing opioid use after neck surgery with a nerve block

The Opioid Sparing Effect of an Inter-semispinalis Plane Block on Postoperative Pain Control in Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Stony Brook University · NCT06570577

This study is testing if a special nerve block can help people having neck surgery use less opioids for pain relief compared to standard pain management.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorStony Brook University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stony Brook, New York)
Trial IDNCT06570577 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates the effectiveness of an Inter-semispinalis plane (ISP) nerve block in reducing the need for opioids in patients undergoing posterior cervical spine surgery. Participants will receive either the nerve block or standard pain management, allowing researchers to compare pain levels, opioid consumption, and hospital discharge times between the two groups. The ISP block is a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific nerves in the neck to provide pain relief, potentially leading to improved recovery outcomes and reduced opioid-related side effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals scheduled for posterior cervical spine surgery from C2 to C7.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency procedures, those with certain medical conditions, or those requiring complex surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid consumption and improve recovery times for patients after neck surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have shown promise for nerve blocks in pain management, further data on the ISP block's safety and efficacy are still needed.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery from C2 - C7, which may extend to the upper thoracic vertebrae, inclusive to T3.
* Capacity to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Fusion and decompression due to trauma
* Emergent procedures
* Patient is on a medication-assisted treatment, e.g., buprenorphine, naltrexone or methadone.
* There is an infection near or in the area of neck where the block will be placed.
* The patient is having a complicated surgery or a revision surgery
* Female patient with a positive pregnancy test on the day of surgery (hospital standard-of-care).
* Patient has Diabetes
* Patients who have had a prior adverse reaction to bupivacaine or dexamethasone
* Patients with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia

Where this trial is running

Stony Brook, 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.
Conditions Pain, Postoperativecervical fusionopioids
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.