Could one dose of methadone ease pain after spine surgery?

NCT ID NCT07517679

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether giving a single dose of methadone during spine surgery can improve pain control and reduce the need for other opioids afterward. About 30 adults having elective spine surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either methadone or standard pain medicine. Researchers will track pain scores and opioid use for 24 hours after surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Methadone

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple way to better manage pain after spine surgery while reducing the need for other opioids.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Methadone also carries risks like slowed breathing or heart rhythm changes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Kentucky

    Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••