Pain Control After Lumbar Spine Fusion

Randomized Controlled Trial of Postoperative Inpatient Ketorolac and Outpatient Naproxen Use Following Elective Lumbar Spine Fusion

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to determine if patients who receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) following elective lumbar spinal fusion have increased rates of symptomatic nonunion requiring revision spinal surgery at two-years follow-up, compared to those who do not receive NSAIDs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ≥18 years of age, ≥1-level planned lumbar spinal fusion
• Capacity to enroll
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic kidney disease (preoperative creatinine ≥1.4)
• History of gastrointestinal bleed or peptic ulcer disease
• History of spinal fusion nonunion
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug allergy
• Previously diagnosed coagulopathy
• Preoperative thrombocytopenia (platelets <100,000)
• Connective tissue disease
• Operative indication due to infection, neoplasm, or trauma
• Currently pregnant