Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 80

Using Erector Spinae Block to Reduce Opioid Use After Neck Surgery

Official title: Effect of Erector Spinae (ESP) Block on Opioid Reduction and Enhanced Recovery After Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT04646707 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a special pain relief technique called the Erector Spinae Block can help people who have neck surgery feel better and use fewer opioids.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment52 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 17, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 17, 2025
Study endsDecember 30, 2025
Registry record updatedJanuary 30, 2025
Trial IDNCT04646707 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 with ASA class I-III undergoing posterior cervical decompression and fusion for cervical stenosis.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are allergic to local anesthetics or have ASA class IV conditions will 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 managing postoperative pain for patients undergoing posterior cervical spine surgery. The ESP block aims to provide targeted pain relief while minimizing the reliance on opioids, which can lead to addiction and other side effects. By employing a multimodal analgesia approach, the study seeks to enhance recovery and improve overall patient outcomes. Participants will receive either the ESP block with local anesthetics or a placebo to assess the impact on pain management and opioid consumption.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid use and improve recovery experiences for patients after cervical spine surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar nerve block techniques in postoperative pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

All adult patients aged 18-80 years with ASA class I - III undergoing posterior cervical (C3-T2) decompression and instrumented fusion for cervical stenosis in prone position.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. In patients who are allergic to local anesthetics.
2. ASA IV patients
3. Lack of informed consent
4. Pregnant patient.
5. Fracture cervical spine
6. Extradural or intradural cervical tumors
7. Surgery of C1 and C2 spine

Where it's running

  • Toronto Western Hospital?UHN
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Michael Dinsmore, MD — University Health Network, Toronto
  • Study coordinator: Michael Dinsmore, MD
  • Email: michael.dinsmore@uhn.ca
  • Phone: 416 603 5800

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.