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NCT Number: NCT07228039

ESP Blocks for Posterior Spinal Fusion

This prospective randomized double-blind study evaluates the efficacy of erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks on postoperative pain in patients undergoing cervical or lumbar posterior spinal fusion. Patients will receive either 0.5% bupivacaine plus liposomal bupivacaine or 0.5% plain bupivacaine. Outcomes include opioid consumption over 72 hours, pain scores, length of stay, and time to ambulation.

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Key information

Conditions

Postoperative Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pain, Postoperative Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 4

Primary location

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • English speaking
  • Age 18-75
  • ASA physical status 1-3
  • Undergoing elective cervical or lumbar posterior spinal fusion (≤3 levels)

Exclusion criteria

  • Age <18 or >75
  • ASA IV or V
  • Non-English speaking
  • BMI >40
  • Opioid dependence
  • Chronic pain
  • Anticoagulation or coagulopathy
  • Injection site infection
  • Hepatic or renal insufficiency
  • Allergy to study drugs
  • Pregnancy
  • Inability to communicate with investigators

Treatment and study plan

ESP Block with Bupivacaine

Drug

Cervical and lumbar ESP blocks performed under ultrasound guidance using plain bupivacaine.

ESP Block with Bupivacaine + Liposomal Bupivacaine

Drug

Cervical and lumbar ESP blocks performed under ultrasound guidance using bupivacaine admixed with liposomal bupivacaine.

Primary outcomes

  1. Postoperative Pain as measured by opiate consumption

    Time frame: 72 hours

    Morphine MilliEquivalents

Secondary outcomes

  1. Postoperative Pain at rest and with movement as measured by patient reported pain scores

    Time frame: 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours

    Numeric Rating Scale (0-10) 0 being no pain, 10 being worst pain imaginable

  2. Discharge Readiness

    Time frame: 72 hours

    Hospital and PACU Length of Stay

  3. Postoperative Pain Severity as measured by required time for patient controlled-analgesia

    Time frame: 72 hours

    Duration of patient controlled analgesia use

  4. Incidents of post-operative nausea and vomiting

    Time frame: 72 hours

    Post-operative Nausea and Vomiting

  5. Time to first ambulation

    Time frame: 72 hours

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Duke University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Double-Blind Prospective RCT Assessment of ESP Blocks for Analgesia Following Posterior Spinal Fusion

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
Nov 13, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 22, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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