NCT05996133 · Hartford Hospital
Multifidus Cervicis Plane Block Vs. Sham Block For Posterior Cervical Spine Fusion Surgery
(MCP)
What this study is about
The goal of this randomly assigned, double-blinded, clinical trial is to assess the benefit of administering a Multifidus Cervicis Plane (MCP) block compared to a sham block as a method of postoperative pain control in patients undergoing posterior cervical spine fusion surgery.
View original scientific description
The goal of this randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial is to assess the benefit of administering a Multifidus Cervicis Plane (MCP) block compared to a sham block as a method of postoperative pain control in patients undergoing posterior cervical spine fusion surgery. The main question it aims to answer is if the MCP block group will have reduced maximum pain scores during the first 24 postoperative hours compared to the sham block group. Participants will receive preoperative bilateral MCP blocks on the back of their neck using the standard of care local anesthetic solution that consists of 30 mLs 0.25% Bupivacaine + 0.5 mL (5 mg) preservative-free Dexamethasone + 0.1 mL Epinephrine (MCP block group). Researchers will compare the MCP block to the preoperative sham block which consists of injecting 3 mL of normal saline into the same area (Sham block group) to compare the postoperative pain scores between the groups as a main objective. The secondary objectives are: * Postoperative opioid consumption during hospitalization and at 2 weeks after discharge. * The amount and type of non-opioid analgesics used during hospitalization. * The occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and the use of antiemetics. * Hospital and Post Anesthesia Care Unit length of stay (LOS). * Monitor the safety of the study interventions during hospitalization and readmissions within 30 days of discharge. * Patient satisfaction with pain management and overall satisfaction with the surgery experience.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients 40-80 years old, males and females, of any race and any ethnic group.
- Patients are scheduled for elective primary posterior cervical spine fusion surgery (CSFS) to be performed by one of the spine surgeons in the study.
- Ability to speak and read English
- Patients with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status score I- IV
Exclusion criteria
- Emergency posterior CSFS.
- Revision surgery or history of previous cervical spine surgery
- History of allergy to local anesthetics or steroids.
- Patients who are coagulopathic at the time of surgery
- Patients with contraindications to MCP blocks, including but not limited to anatomical abnormality or previous surgical intervention that limits or prevents receiving the blocks
- Infection at the site of the block.
- Weight \< 40 kg to avoid local anesthetic toxicity.
- Patients on chronic or continuous opioid use of \> 50 MME (morphine milli-equivalent) per day for at least 30 days within 90 days prior to surgery.
- Patients with a history of chronic inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis
- Refusal to participate or lack of providing the study consent
Where
- Hartford, Connecticut
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 5, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations