Neck surgery pain relief: could a simple injection cut opioid use?

NCT ID NCT06393530

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Poznan University of Medical Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a nerve block called an erector spinae plane block, given before cervical spine surgery, can reduce pain and the need for opioids afterward. Sixty adults undergoing neck fusion surgery were randomly assigned to receive either the anesthetic ropivacaine or a placebo (saline). The researchers measured how long it took for patients to first request opioid pain medication and how much they used overall.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ropivacaine (a local anesthetic)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a better way to manage pain after neck surgery and reduce reliance on strong painkillers.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-center study. The results may not apply to all patients or surgeries, and nerve blocks carry rare risks like infection or nerve damage.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

vertebral column disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SPINAL DISEASE SPINE DISEASE SPINE FUSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Poznan University of Medical Sciences

Poznan, Poznań, 61-701, Poland

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