Using erector spinae plane block for pain control

Erector Spinae Regional Anesthesia for Pain Control in the Emergency Department

Early Phase 1 Interventional The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT05794828

This study is testing whether a special pain relief technique called the erector spinae plane block can help people with various painful conditions feel better and use less pain medication.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Ridley Park, Pennsylvania and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05794828 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in managing pain for patients with conditions such as rib fractures, vertebral fractures, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, renal colic, and back pain. Patients will receive an ultrasound-guided ESPB and will report their pain levels before and 30 minutes after the procedure. Additionally, the study will track the total opiate use of patients for up to 8 hours following the block to assess its impact on pain management and opioid consumption.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with posterior or lateral rib fractures, vertebral fractures, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, renal colic, or back pain.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable vital signs, infections at the injection site, prior allergic reactions to local anesthetics, pregnant females, individuals under 18, or those with altered mentation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and decrease reliance on opioids for patients with severe pain conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches using erector spinae plane blocks for pain management.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Posterior/lateral rib or vertebral fractures
* Pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer
* Renal colic
* Back pain

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unstable vitals
* Infection or open wound over insertion site
* Prior allergic reaction to local anesthetic
* Pregnant females
* Patients \<18 years old
* Altered mentation

Where this trial is running

Ridley Park, Pennsylvania and 3 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.
Conditions Pain ManagementErector spinae plane blockESPBPain reduction
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.