Functioning in Individuals with Cervical Radiculopathy After Posterior Cervical Decompression

Launched by LINKOEPING UNIVERSITY · Mar 25, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how well people with cervical radiculopathy, a condition that causes neck and arm pain due to nerve compression in the spine, feel and function after a specific type of surgery called posterior cervical decompression. The researchers want to understand not only how much pain participants experience but also how their daily activities, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life improve after the surgery. The study will follow 154 individuals who are scheduled for this surgery over a period of two years, assessing their progress at three, 12, and 24 months after the procedure.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be between 18 and 75 years old and have been experiencing arm pain for at least three months, with imaging tests confirming nerve root compression. Some individuals may be excluded if they have significant neurological issues, previous spinal surgeries, or certain medical conditions. Participants will complete electronic questionnaires before their surgery and at each follow-up visit to share their experiences and improvements. This research aims to provide more insight into how effective the surgery is and how it impacts the lives of those affected by cervical radiculopathy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Cervical radiculopathy, confirmed by MRI images (or alternative neuroradiological imaging if MRI contraindicated) compatible with clinical findings of nerve root compression (neurological examination performed by a neurosurgeon/orthopedic surgeon)
• • Posterior cervical decompression as foraminotomy with our without laminectomy
• • At least 3 months of persistent arm pain
• • Age 18-75 years
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Nurick score 2 or more (to exclude individuals with moderate to high myelopathy)
• • Previous surgery of cervical spine
• • Previous fracture or dislocation of the cervical spine
• • Malignancy or benign spinal tumor (eg, neuromas)
• • Spinal infection
• • Previous spondylodiscitis
• • Servere mental disorder
• • Known alcohol or drug abuse
• • Lack of ability to write/comprehend/express oneself in Swedish