Nerve block could help older adults recover better from back surgery
NCT ID NCT05461092
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early study looks at whether a nerve block called a thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block can help older adults (65 and older) have less pain and a better recovery after spinal fusion surgery. The block uses a numbing medicine called bupivacaine. The study will enroll 50 people and mainly aims to see if a larger, more definitive trial is possible. Researchers will track pain, delirium, and other recovery measures for up to 12 weeks 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
- bupivacaine (a local anesthetic)
- What this could lead to
- If this approach works, it could lead to a larger study that may show nerve blocks help older adults have less pain and a smoother recovery after spinal fusion surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early feasibility study with only 50 people. It is designed to test if a bigger trial is possible, not to prove the treatment works. The nerve block may not reduce pain or improve recovery.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Iowa
RECRUITINGIowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
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