Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Segmental Decompression Versus Wide Decompression With Fixation for Degenerative Lumbar Canal Stenosis

56 participantsStarted 2026-05

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to compare two different surgical techniques for treating degenerative lumbar canal stenosis, a condition where the lower spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal nerves. For patients who continue to experience significant back and leg pain after at least three months of non-surgical treatments, surgery is often recommended to relieve the pressure. Currently, there is an ongoing debate among spine surgeons regarding the most effective surgical approach. This study will evaluate and compare the outcomes of two established methods: 1. Segmental Decompression Alone: A procedure focused purely on removing the bone and tissue that is pressing on the spinal nerves. 2. Wide Decompression with Fixation: A more extensive removal of compressive structures, combined with adding spinal hardware (pedicle screws and rods) to stabilize the spine. Researchers will observe 56 patients over an 18-month period. The primary goal is to determine if one technique offers better functional recovery and pain relief than the other. Researchers will measure success by tracking changes in patients' daily physical function (using the Oswestry Disability Index), reductions in lower back and leg pain, improvements in walking distance, and the time it takes to perform the surgery. Eligible participants are adult males and females over the age of 40 with symptomatic multilevel stenosis, provided their dynamic x-rays do not show existing spinal instability.

Who can participate

Age range

40 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: * Age greater than 40 years * Both males and females * Multilevel lumbar canal stenosis with failed routine conservative treatment at least 3 months * X-ray dynamic views of the lumbar spine showing no evidence of instability Exclusion Criteria: * Age less than 40 years * Recurrent cases and screw revision cases * Degenerative scoliosis

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

Functional Recovery as Assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

Timeframe: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperative

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07542054

SponsorAssiut University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-05

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis trials