Effectiveness of erector spinae plane block combined with physical therapy in adult degenerative scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial.
Ozge Gulsum Illeez, Aslinur Keles, Esra Giray et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether adding an erector spinae plane block to physical therapy improved pain, disability, or quality of life in 26 adults aged 60 and older with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Both groups had statistically significant improvements in pain, Oswestry Disability Index, and SRS-22 scores at assessed follow-up points. Between-group differences were not statistically significant for these outcomes, except for pain scores at 3 months. The findings support improvement with physical therapy, while evidence for additional benefit from the block was limited to the reported 3-month pain difference.
Key findings
- Pain decreased in both groups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment (p < 0.01).
- Oswestry Disability Index and SRS-22 total scores improved at each assessed time point in both groups (p < 0.01).
- Between-group differences were not statistically significant for pain, disability, or quality of life, except for pain scores at 3 months.
Why it matters
The trial suggests that physical therapy can be associated with improvements in pain, function, and quality of life in older adults with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. It also examines whether a regional block adds benefit, but the reported between-group results do not show consistent additional improvement across outcomes. This distinction is relevant when interpreting the block as an adjunct to rehabilitation.
What to keep in mind
The trial included only 26 patients, and the abstract notes that larger studies are needed to assess long-term effects and personalized treatment strategies.