Reliability and Reproducibility of Facet Joint Measurements in the Thoracolumbar Spine (NCT07670039) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Reliability and Reproducibility of Facet Joint Measurements in the Thoracolumbar Spine
Russia12 participantsStarted 2026-07-01
Plain-language summary
The purpose is to determine how reliably degenerative changes in the facet joints (FJs) and intervertebral discs (IvDs) can be assessed on computed tomography (CT) scans.
At least six raters, including neurosurgeons and CT specialists, will independently evaluate anonymized CT scans covering the T9-L3 levels. The study will assess reproducibility of the Pathria grading scale for FJ degeneration and of quantitative measurements such as FJ space width and FJ angulation.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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:
* availability of CT scans covering the T9-L3 vertebrae;
* absence of imaging artifacts at the level of interest.
Exclusion Criteria:
* bone mineral density of the vertebrae of \<100 HU;
* systemic diseases of bone or joints associated with changes in the FJs and IvDs (including diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.);
* previous spinal surgery, including procedures performed without instrumentation;
* spinal fractures involving injury to the posterior structures;
* participation in other clinical studies related to the treatment of spinal disorders or spinal trauma.
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
1
Interobserver Reliability of CT-Based Pathria Grading Scale for Facet Joint Degenerative Changes
Timeframe: At baseline CT image review
2
Interobserver Reliability of CT-Based Grading Scale for Intervertebral Disc Degenerative Changes
Timeframe: At baseline CT image review
3
Interobserver reliability of facet joint space width measurements
Timeframe: At baseline CT image review
4
Interobserver reliability of facet joint angulation measurements