Improving Surgical Outcomes With Early PT After ACDF

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Jan 1, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how starting physical therapy (PT) early after a specific neck surgery called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) can affect recovery. The main goal is to see if patients who begin PT soon after leaving the hospital have better outcomes compared to those who start PT later. Researchers will look at improvements in hand strength, neck endurance, and the ability to move the neck, to see if these factors are linked to better recovery results.

To participate in this trial, you should be between 18 and 75 years old, speak English, and have had ACDF surgery for a degenerative neck condition. Sadly, those with a history of certain health issues, like severe psychiatric disorders or cancer treatment, won't be eligible. If you join the study, you will be randomly assigned to either start physical therapy right away or wait for a while before beginning. The trial is currently looking for participants, and it aims to provide insights that could help improve recovery for future patients undergoing this type of surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Surgical treatment of a cervical degenerative condition using a 1- or 2-level ACDF procedure;
• • English speaking due to feasibility of employing study personnel to deliver and assess the study intervention; and
• • Age 18-75 years of age (individuals older than 75 are more likely to experience respiratory and nervous system complications and death following ACDF)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Surgery secondary to trauma, fracture, tumor, infection, or spinal deformity;
• • Undergoing cervical corpectomy;
• • Prior history of cervical spine surgery in last 5 years;
• • Diagnosis or presence of osteoporosis;
• • Diagnosis or presence of severe psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder;
• • Documented history of alcohol and/or drug abuse;
• • Currently involved in litigation due to injury;
• • Currently undergoing treatment for cancer;
• • Patients not able to return for follow-up visits due to time and travel limitation or other reasons; and
• • Unable to provide a stable telephone or physical address