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Lumbar Steroid Use After Back Surgery

This study is looking at whether applying a steroid called Depo-Medrol to the surgical area during back surgery (laminectomy) can help reduce the amount of pain medication (opioids) you need afterward. You would be randomly assigned to receive either Depo-Medrol or a saline (saltwater) placebo during your surgery. Researchers will then track your opioid use, how long you stay in the hospital, and how quickly you return to work. This study is for people aged 18 to 85 who are having a 1- or 2-level laminectomy and have not used opioids daily in the last six months. The study aims to enroll 150 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial, meaning you would be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. The study plans to enroll 150 participants.
What's involved
You would be assessed before surgery, during your hospital stay, daily for two weeks after discharge, and then again at 1 and 3 months after surgery.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
You would be followed for up to 3 months after your surgery.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05058287

Lumbar Steroid Use in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Decompression

Recruiting
PHASE3Ages 18–85InterventionalTreatment
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
~150 participants
Updated 2026-04-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Depo-Medrol 40Mg/Ml Suspension for InjectionPlacebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Opioid use total [Both Groups]
Measured over In hospital, pre-discharge
+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Opioid Use
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Pain, Postoperative
Pain, Back

Explore related trials

Back PainLumbar Spinal StenosisOpioid Use Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
New York1

Who to contact

Catherine Himo Gang, MPH
[email protected]
(917) 623-5416
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Patients scheduled to undergo 1 to 2 level laminectomy
Between the ages of 18-85

Exclusion

Minimally invasive surgery
Prior daily opioid usage within 6 months.
Use of concomitant procedures such as spinal fusion, revision procedure at the same level.
History of a chronic pain syndrome, uncontrolled diabetes defined as A1C \> 6.5, immunocompromised condition such as active cancer treatment, history of transplant, benign prostatic hyperplasia or history of urinary retention, and other conditions which require chronic steroid therapy or immunosuppressants.
Non-English speakers
Patients allergic to Depo-Medrol and/or glucocorticoids, or other steroids

What this trial measures

  • Opioid use total [Both Groups]In hospital, pre-discharge

    Number \& dose of opioid taken converted to oral morphine equivalents post-operatively in hospital

  • Opioid use total [Both Groups]Every day for 14 days post- discharge

    Number \& dose of opioid taken converted to oral morphine equivalents post-operatively post-discharge

  • Opioid consumption [Both Groups]6-Week Post-Op

    Is participant still taking post-op opioids

  • Opioid consumption [Both Groups]3-Months Post-Op

    Is participant still taking post-op opioids