Preventive Effect of Limited Decompression on Adjacent Segment Following Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Launched by PEKING UNIVERSITY THIRD HOSPITAL · Jul 12, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a specific surgical technique, called limited decompression, may help prevent problems in the spine after a common surgery known as posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). This trial focuses on patients who already have some narrowing of the spinal canal at nearby areas but are not currently experiencing any symptoms. The research aims to see if performing this preventive procedure can improve outcomes for patients who are undergoing surgery for degenerative spinal conditions.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be between the ages of 65 and 74 and have a clear diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis, which is a condition where the space around the spinal cord narrows. They must have already tried conservative treatments, like physical therapy or medication, for at least eight weeks without improvement. However, those with certain spinal instability issues, infections, tumors, or a history of previous spine surgeries cannot participate. If you join the study, you will be closely monitored to assess the effects of the surgery, helping to contribute valuable information to the field of spinal health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • A clear diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis, and surgical level of L4-S1 (The levels to be operated on were decided by matching the clinical symptomatology with the radiological findings of the spinal levels that needed decompression);
• • Patients have asymptomatic pre-existing spinal canal stenosis (cerebrospinal fluid occlusion grade=1) at adjacent segment.
• • Failed at least eight weeks conservative treatment;
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unstable factors (slip, rotation, lateral bending, etc.) in adjacent segment L3/4;
• • Preoperative sagittal and coronal imbalance of the spine;
• • Lumbar infection and/or tumor diseases;
• • A previous history of lumbar fusion surgery.