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Wise Young
08-21-2001, 06:40 PM
Surgical versus Nonsurgical Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

This study is currently recruiting patients.

Sponsored by

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)


Purpose

Lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of spaces in the backbone that results in pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots) is a condition that occurs frequently, particularly in the elderly. This condition can lead to significant pain and limit a person's ability to function. Moreover, doctors disagree about the best way to treat people with lumbar spinal stenosis.

In this study we will compare surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with nonsurgical treatment using physical therapy. The results of this study should help clarify which treatment strategies are the most effective for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.


Condition Treatment or Intervention Phase Spinal Stenosis

Procedure:Surgical decompression
Procedure:Physical therapy

Phase III

MEDLINEplusrelated topics:SpinalStenosis

Study Type:Interventional
Study Design:Treatment,Randomized,Single Blind,Active Control,Parallel Assignment,Efficacy Study

Official Title:Randomized Clinical Trial of Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

Further Study Details:

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a frequently encountered condition, particularly in the elderly, which can lead to significant pain and functional limitations. The prevalence of this condition is growing as the population continues to age. Substantial controversy exists regarding the management of lumbar spinal stenosis. Surgery has traditionally been the treatment of choice, although physicians typically recommend a trial of nonsurgical care prior to surgery. The most effective means of nonsurgical treatment has not been identified, although a "standard" regimen has been developed.

There is presently no evidence in the literature regarding the relative effectiveness of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, or the efficacy of the standard nonsurgical treatment approach. This randomized clinical trial will compare surgical decompression versus nonsurgical treatment (i.e., physical therapy) of lumbar spinal stenosis. The results of this study should help clarify which treatment strategies are the most effective for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study: 50 Years and above , Genders Eligible for Study: Both

Participants: Patients

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
* Imaging evidence of stenosis
* Unable to walk more than 1/4 of a mile * No prior surgery for stenosis
* Consents to surgery
* Speaks English


Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of dementia or organic brain syndrome * Coronary artery disease, recent myocardial infarction, pulmonary or vascular disease * Spondylolisthesis (> 5 mm slippage) * Severe osteoporosis
* Metastatic cancer

Expected Total Enrollment: 240

Location and Contact Information

Steven George 412-383-6630 georgesz@msx.upmc.edu

Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, United States;Recruiting
Steven George georgesz@msx.upmc.edu]

Study chairs or principal investigators
Anthony Delitto, Ph.D., Principal Investigator University of Pittsburgh


More Information

Study ID Numbers NIAMS-052; R01 AR45633
NLM Identifier NCT00022776

Date study startedSeptember 2000; Date Study Completed August 2004 Record last reviewed March 2001

Wise Young
04-06-2002, 12:03 PM
updated link http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a1r/show/NCT00022776?order=2&JServSessionIdzone_ct=nh9kvtwwa1