A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effect of Erector Spinae Plane Blocks Versus High Volume Local Infiltration Analgesia on Pain, Inflammation and Cognitive Outcomes Following Thoraco-Lumbar Fusion Surgery
The proposed intervention will examine two alternative methods for postoperative pain control. Two treatment arms of this study will include subjects who receive an erector spinae block (ESP) after induction of anesthesia but prior to the start of surgery and subjects who will receive a high volume of local anesthetic infiltration at the end of the procedure before emergence from anesthesia. The control group of subjects will undergo spinal surgery with general anesthesia but without any regional anesthesia. Outcome measurements include evaluation of serum inflammatory markers, pain scores, opioid usage and standardized evidence-based assessment methodologies.
• Age: Greater than 18 years but less than 80
• Surgical procedure: 1 to 2 level thoraco-lumbar fusion between T8 and S2; non-emergent surgery
• Opioid naive (less than 6 oxycodone/day or 30 mg oxycodone equivalent)
• No contraindication to local anesthetics or regional procedures.