Study Summary

49 patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion were randomized to receive either erector spinae plane block before surgery or standard anesthesia and postoperative pain management without block. The outcomes of interest were postoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain scores, postoperative complications, emergency department visits within 30 days, hospital readmissions within 90 days, and postoperative opioid prescription filling patterns. Outcomes were assessed during the immediate postoperative period including postoperative days 1 through 3 and during early postoperative follow-up. Overall, the results of the study revealed that patients receiving erector spinae plane block experienced lower postoperative pain scores and reduced opioid requirements compared with those receiving standard care. These findings suggest that erector spinae plane block may be an effective addition for improving pain control and reducing opioid use following lumbar fusion surgery.