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.

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.

Back Pain delirium

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • University of Iowa

    RECRUITING

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States