Opioid versus non-opioid analgesia for spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PurposeOpioids are the primary analgesics used in patients undergoing spine surgery. Postoperative pain is common despite their liberal use and so are opioid-associated side effects. Non-opioid analgesics are gaining popularity as alternative to opioids in spine surgery. MethodsThis systematic review evaluated current evidence regarding opioid and non-opioid intraoperative analgesia and their influence on immediate postoperative pain and …