Could one dose of methadone ease pain after spine surgery?

NCT ID NCT07517679

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times

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.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PAIN, POSTOPERATIVE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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

    RECRUITING

    Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.