Dose Response Study of Dexmedetomidine in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery Patients

Dose Response Study of Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) of Dexmedetomidine in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery Patients

To study the multimodal protocol combining adjunct dexmedetomidine with oxycodone in intravenous patient-controlled analgesia bolus dosing and effects in patients scheduled for posterolateral lumbar spine fusion with bilateral transpedicular screw instrumentation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Scheduled for elective posterolateral lumbar spine fusion with bilateral transpedicular screw instrumentation under general anaesthesia.
• Written informed consent from the participating subject

Exclusion Criteria:

• A previous history of intolerance to the study drug or related compounds and additives
• Concomitant drug therapy with oxycodone or buprenorphine.
• History of ischemic heart disease or conduction disturbance
• BMI > 35
• Existing significant haematological, endocrine, metabolic or gastrointestinal disease
• History of alcoholism, drug abuse, psychological or other emotional problems that are likely to invalidate informed consent
• Allergy to dexmedetomidine or oxycodone
• Blood loss exceeding 1500 ml during operation