Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Pain Following Lumbar Fusion Surgery

The purpose of this study is to determine if the method for injecting local anesthesia affects patients' pain and opioid usage after surgery. The investigators will compare subcutaneous anesthesia, injections of anesthesia under the skin, to a method called erector spinae plane block (ESPB). An ESPB injection involves placing local anesthesia along the muscles and bones in the back, using a special type of x-ray called fluoroscopy for guidance. The Investigators will use patient reported outcomes (PROs) and track subjects' opioid usage to find out if there is a difference between ESPB and subcutaneous anesthesia. The investigators hypothesize that patients who get ESPB injections will use less opioids and report less pain after lumbar fusion surgery compared to patients who receive subcutaneous anesthesia injections.

Echo-guided Transverse Abdominal Plane Block (TAP) in Anterior Lumbar Arthrodesis (ALIF)

The goal of this interventional study is to is to compare the effect of a tap block versus a placebo in patients undergoing anterior lumbar spine surgery. The main question it aims to answer : • whether tap block can reduce the need for postoperative pain medication Participants will be randomized into two groups and all postoperative pain medication will be recorded over 3 days. Researchers will compare tap block vs placebo to see if it reduces postoperative pain.

Return to Work After Lumbar Surgery: a Nationwide Survey of Spinal Surgeons' Practices

This national cross-sectional survey investigates the current practices and perceptions of Belgian spinal surgeons regarding return to work (RTW) after lumbar surgery for radicular pain. The study aims to (1) assess surgeons' advice on RTW and sick leave, (2) identify barriers and facilitators encountered when providing RTW guidance, and (3) explore how these factors relate to surgeon characteristics such as demographics, hospital setting, and professional experience. The results will inform clinical practice recommendations and support the development of targeted interventions to improve RTW guidance.

Preoperative Teriparatide Use on Insertional Torque of Pedicle Screws for Lumbar Fusion Surgery

This project aims to investigate any difference of insertional torque strength for osteoporotic patients with preoperative 1-month teriparatide injections versus those without. The increased insertional torque of pedicle screws during surgery after only 1 month of teriparatide use has also been studied. However, the effect of teriparatide on vertebral body bone mineral density (BMD) prior to and after fusion surgery has not been studied. The effects on screw insertional torque has also not been studied via a randomized controlled trial method.