Using steroids during lumbar surgery to reduce pain and opioid use

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 clinical trial evaluates the effects of intra-operative topical epidural steroid application in patients undergoing 1- to 2-level lumbar laminectomies. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 40 mg of Depo-Medrol or a placebo saline solution applied to the surgical site before closure. The study will track post-operative opioid consumption, length of hospital stay, return to work, and patient-reported outcomes over a three-month period. Assessments will occur pre-operatively, during hospitalization, and at follow-up intervals of two weeks, one month, and three months post-surgery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled to undergo 1 to 2 level laminectomy
* Between the ages of 18-85

Exclusion Criteria:

* Minimally invasive surgery
* Prior daily opioid usage within 6 months.
* Use of concomitant procedures such as spinal fusion, revision procedure at the same level.
* History of a chronic pain syndrome, uncontrolled diabetes defined as A1C \> 6.5, immunocompromised condition such as active cancer treatment, history of transplant, benign prostatic hyperplasia or history of urinary retention, and other conditions which require chronic steroid therapy or immunosuppressants.
* Non-English speakers
* Patients allergic to Depo-Medrol and/or glucocorticoids, or other steroids

Where it's running

• Hospital for Special Surgery
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Catherine Himo Gang, MPH
• Email: gangh@hss.edu
• Phone: (917) 623-5416

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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.