Conservative Care Versus Decompression Trial for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Pilot (NCT07358273) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Conservative Care Versus Decompression Trial for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Pilot
56 participantsStarted 2026-02
Plain-language summary
This study is a pilot randomized clinical trial designed to test whether it is feasible to conduct a larger study comparing two standard treatments for mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Can enough participants be recruited and successfully complete follow-up assessments?
* Will participants adhere to their assigned treatment?
Researchers will compare two groups:
* Surgical group: Participants receive decompressive spine surgery (with or without fusion).
* Conservative care group: Participants follow a structured program that includes education, fall prevention strategies, and tailored exercises.
Participants will:
* Complete baseline and follow-up assessments at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months.
* In the surgical group: undergo surgery within 12 weeks of randomization and receive standard post-operative care.
* In the conservative care group: follow a 6-week progressive exercise program and continue self-management strategies.
* Complete a monthly online symptom monitoring questionnaire
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
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:
* 18 years of age or older
* Show evidence of spinal cord compression between C2 and T1 on MRI or CT myelography conducted within 2 years of enrollment
* Present with mild DCM defined as a score of 15-17 on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score
Exclusion Criteria:
* Clinical suspicion that myelopathic symptoms are exacerbated or caused by another neurologic condition (i.e. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, syringomyelia, peripheral neuropathy)
* Demonstrate ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL)
* Previous cervical spine surgery
* Report known or suspected tandem symptomatic thoracic or lumbar spinal stenosis
* Present with an acute traumatic spinal cord injury (i.e., central cord syndrome)
* Have a prior history of an acute spinal cord injury
* Have spinal cord compression due to an infectious or oncologic process
* Inflammatory arthritis
* Significant active health-related comorbidity (ASA Class IV or higher)
* English language ability insufficient to complete outcome questionnaires
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.