Using nerve blocks to reduce pain and improve recovery in older adults after spinal surgery

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 feasibility study investigates the use of thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) blocks in older adults undergoing spinal fusion surgery. The TLIP blocks involve administering anesthesia to the back to potentially reduce post-operative pain. The study will assess recruitment rates, completion of assessments, and patient feedback, while identifying barriers to implementing TLIP blocks. The findings will help refine methods and determine sample size for a future larger randomized clinical trial aimed at evaluating the effects of TLIP blocks on pain, physical function, opioid use, and delirium in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Are 65 or older
* Indicated for lumbar spinal fusion of less than or equal to 3 levels
* Undergoing elective surgery
* no contraindications to local anesthetic or procedures
* no severe cardiac or respiratory disease
* no preexisting cognitive dysfunction/dementia

Exclusion Criteria:

* 64 years old and younger
* emergency treatment
* pathologic fractures
* seeking revision surgery
* major liver or kidney dysfunction
* coexisting hematological disorder or irreversible abnormal coagulation
* patients with previous diagnosis of dementia or SLUMS score \<20
* patient unable to communicate/cooperate/language barrier
* BMI\>40
* allergy to study medications
* opioid tolerant (oral opioid intake morphine equivalent =\< 60 mg/day)
* other sources of chronic pain like fibromyalgia
* patients with associated significant CNS or respiratory disease (home oxygen requirements)
* incarcerated patients
* psychiatric illnesses preoperative neurological deficits greater than one motor group, less than three out of five motor functions
* pregnant or breast feeding

Where it's running

• University of Iowa
  Iowa City, Iowa, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Catherine R Olinger, MD — Clinical Assistant Professor
• Study coordinator: Alex R Coffman, BS
• Email: alex-coffman@uiowa.edu
• Phone: 319-353-8996

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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.