Back surgery patients may need fewer opioids with simple steroid trick

NCT ID NCT05058287

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether placing a steroid (Depo-Medrol) directly on the spine during back surgery can lower pain and the need for opioid painkillers afterward. About 150 adults having one- or two-level lumbar decompression will be randomly assigned to get the steroid or a placebo. Researchers will track opioid use, pain scores, hospital stay length, and return to work.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone) steroid
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give surgeons a simple way to lower pain and opioid use after back surgery, helping patients recover faster.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial with 150 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The steroid could have side effects like infection or nerve irritation.

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.

Back Pain lumbar spinal stenosis opioid abuse Pain, Postoperative spinal stenosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS OPIOID USE PAIN, BACK PAIN, POSTOPERATIVE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital for Special Surgery
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10021, United States

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