A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Postoperative Continuous Local Anesthetic Infusion at the Iliac Crest Bone Graft Site After Spinal Arthrodesis

Abstract

Continuous infusion of 0.5% Marcaine at the ICBG harvest site reduced postoperative parenteral narcotic usage by 50% and decreased overall pain scores. No complications were attributed to the infusion-catheter system. The use of continuous local anesthetic infusion at the iliac crest may help in alleviating acute graft-related pain, hastening patient recovery and improving short-term satisfaction.