Wound infiltration with bupivacaine after surgery to the cervical spine using a posterior approach

We have compared pain scores, morphine consumption and duration of stay for 50 adults who underwent elective cervical spine surgery via a posterior incision in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. During wound closure, the paravertebral muscles and subcutaneous tissues were infiltrated with 40 ml of saline (control) or 0.25% bupivacaine. There were no significant differences in pain scores, morphine consumption or duration of stay between groups. In view of the potential risks of wound infiltration in the cervical region, we consider that this practice should be abandoned.