Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine has no Effect on Postoperative Pain Scores for Posterior Spinal Fusion

Abstract

Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) for idiopathic scoliosis results in severe postoperative pain. At our institution, a protocol for postoperative analgesia is followed, but anesthetic maintenance is decided by the anesthesiologist. Previous studies have shown that postoperative use of dexmedetomidine may improve analgesia for these patients, but the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative pain scores remains unknown.