CompletedNot Applicable

Assessment of Surgical Techniques for Treating Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

United States, Canada321 participantsStarted 2005-12

Plain-language summary

The primary purpose of this study is to compare anterior and posterior surgical approach in treatment of CSM in terms of surgical complications and neurological, functional, disease-specific and quality of life outcomes measures. Secondary aims are to quantify the amount of change pre and post-surgery concerning the same outcome measures; to determine if there are differences in outcomes between posterior surgical techniques (i.e. laminectomy with fusion or laminoplasty) and examine the relationship between baseline MRI and baseline and follow-up neurological and functional outcomes.

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergo surgery for symptomatic cervical spondylotic myelopathy with one or or more of the following symptoms: Numb clumsy hands, impairment of gait, bilateral arm parasthesia, L'Hermitte's phenomena * and one or more of the following signs: corticospinal distribution motor deficits, athropy of hand intrinsic muscles, hyperflexia, positive Hoffman sign, upgoing plantar responses, lower limb spasticity, broad based unstable gait Exclusion Criteria: * Asymptomatic cervical spondylotic myelopathy * previous surgery for CSM * Active infection * Neoplastic disease * Rheumatoid arthritis * Ankylosing spondylitis * Trauma * Concomitant lumbar stenosis * Not referred for surgical consultation * Participating in other trials or unlikely to attend follow-ups

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Clinical and radiological outcomes, functional status and general health related quality of life between anterior vs. posterior approach

Timeframe: 12 months

Compare the rate of complications between operative patients managed with anterior vs. posterior approaches 6,12 and 24 months following surgery

Timeframe: 24 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00285337

SponsorAOSpine North America Research Network

Sponsor typeNETWORK

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy trials