Effects of Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Pain Following Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Opioid Usage and Patient Reported Outcome Comparison Following Erector Spinae Plane Block or Subcutaneous Anesthetic in Spinal Fusion Procedures

The purpose of this study is to determine if the method for injecting local anesthesia affects patients' pain and opioid usage after surgery. The investigators will compare subcutaneous anesthesia, injections of anesthesia under the skin, to a method called erector spinae plane block (ESPB). An ESPB injection involves placing local anesthesia along the muscles and bones in the back, using a special type of x-ray called fluoroscopy for guidance. The Investigators will use patient reported outcomes (PROs) and track subjects' opioid usage to find out if there is a difference between ESPB and subcutaneous anesthesia. The investigators hypothesize that patients who get ESPB injections will use less opioids and report less pain after lumbar fusion surgery compared to patients who receive subcutaneous anesthesia injections.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The individual has signed and dated a study specific informed consent form approved by the Institutional Review Board at UMMHC.
• The individual is at least 18 years of age.
• The individual is skeletally mature (over the age of 18).
• The patient is scheduled for a one or two level lumbar spinal fusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients unable to consent for themselves.
• Pregnant women.
• Non-English speaking subjects.
• Prisoners.
• Spinal fusion procedures for a diagnosis of fracture, tumor, and/or infection.
• Patients who have used greater than 150 morphine milligram equivalents of opioids in the month prior to their operation.
• Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater.