NCT06358040 · Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
Opioid Dispenser for Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy
What this study is about
The opioid crisis continues to plague the United States. While great strides have been made nationwide to decrease overprescribing, improvements are still needed to appropriately educate patients on the safe and responsible use, storage and disposal of opioids. Pain after surgery is often treated with opioid medications. Opioid medications can have side effects.
View original scientific description
The opioid crisis continues to plague the United States. While great strides have been made nationwide to decrease overprescribing, improvements are still needed to appropriately educate patients on the safe and responsible use, storage and disposal of opioids. Pain after surgery is often treated with opioid medications. Opioid medications can have side effects. Some side effects are relatively minor (constipation, nausea, vomiting), while others are more severe (sedation, abnormal breathing, etc.) and can lead to serious illness or death. Opioid pain medications when used the wrong way may also be addictive. Due to theses side effects, sometimes patients feel uncomfortable about taking these medications, and doctors prescribe them very cautiously. However, when used properly and safely, opioid pain medications are excellent pain relievers. Addinex, a technology company, has developed a device to help patients take opioids more safely. In this study the investigators aim to enroll a total of 30 patients who undergo spine surgery. Half will be randomly assigned to receive a standard pill bottle with opioids at discharge and will download a mobile app so that they can record their daily pain scores and the number of opioids they take for two weeks after surgery. The other half will receive the new opioid dispenser filled with opioids and a mobile app that generates a passcode that opens that device only at designated times. For this group of patients, every time the patient wants to take an opioid, they need to go to the app, enter their pain score before the app generates a passcode. The investigators will be tracking all study patients' opioid use and pain scores for the two weeks after surgery, will count how many pills they have left over 14 days after their surgery during a live telehealth session, and ask patients how they liked using the device. Results from this study will help understand if the Addinex device could potentially be useful to patients in the future after surgeries as opposed to typical pill bottles.
Interventions
DEVICE
Opioid-Dispensing Device
Addinex Opioid-Dispensing Device
OTHER
App
Addinex App
OTHER
Standard Opioid Pill Bottle
Standard Opioid Pill Bottle
Primary outcome measures
Cumulative Opioid Consumption at Postoperative Day 14 (POD14)
Time frame: Hospital Discharge to Postoperative Day 14
Cumulative Opioid Consumption at Postoperative Day 14 (POD14) following lumbar decompression (microdiscectomy/laminectomy), expressed as number of tablets and morphine equivalents (MED in mg) and collected via app starting at discharge to 14 days later.
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
- opioid-naive patients or intermittent opioid users within 3 months of scheduled surgery
- At least 18 years old
- presenting for primary elective one-level lumbar laminectomy and/or discectomy via posterior approach with participating surgeon
- planned discharge on day of surgery/23 hour admission
- planned discharge to home
Exclusion criteria
- patients with opioid-tolerance
- patients without a smart-phone or without the ability to perform Telehealth visits
- patients unable to utilize the medication dispensing device
- patients presenting for other surgeries/surgeries with combined anterior/lateral approaches
- patient refusal
- allergy or intolerance to opioids
- planned admission after surgery
- planned discharge disposition to nursing facility or skilled rehabilitation
- planned use of or preference for opioid other than oxycodone
- patients who are pregnant
Where
- New York, New York
Related conditions & keywords
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 Dec 8, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations