Opioid Free vs. Standard Perioperative Pain Regimen for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery
Opioid Free vs. Standard Perioperative Pain Regimen for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery
Patients undergoing 1-3 level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) at the levels between C2 and T1 will be enrolled into this randomized prospective study. All patients enrolled in this study will undergo a trial of non-surgical treatment prior to the recommendation for surgery. After enrollment, patients will be randomized utilizing a block randomization strategy to one of two treatment groups - a standard opioid-containing postoperative pain regimen versus a non-opioid postoperative pain regimen. Postoperative outcomes will be assessed.
Patients will be followed for 12 months and the following Specific Aims will be assessed:
Aim 1: Evaluate whether utilization of a non-opioid postoperative pain regimen after ACDF leads to lower rates of new chronic opioid use when compared with postoperative pain regimens utilizing opioids.
Aim 2: Evaluate whether utilization of a non-opioid postoperative pain regimen after ACDF results in equivalent postoperative pain scores in the early postoperative period.
Aim 3: Evaluate whether utilization of a non-opioid postoperative pain regimen after ACDF leads to equivalent clinical outcomes when compared with postoperative pain regimens utilizing opioids at 3 months and 12 months.
Aim 4: Evaluate whether utilization of a non-opioid postoperative pain regimen after ACDF leads to fewer postoperative complications when compared with postoperative pain regimens utilizing opioids.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: