Evaluation of dexmedetomidine and postoperative pain management in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: conclusions based on a retrospective study at a tertiary pediatric hospital.

Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine in decreasing opioid use in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis following posterior spinal fusion surgery at a pediatric tertiary care hospital over the past 10 years.

Design: This was a retrospective chart review. Patients were separated into two groups: those that received opioid via patient-controlled analgesia pain therapy alone and those that received opioid via patient-controlled analgesia pain therapy with dexmedetomidine.