Back surgery patients may need fewer opioids with simple steroid trick
NCT ID NCT05058287
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Hospital for Special Surgery
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10021, United States
Contact