Biportal endoscopic decompression versus decompression with fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis
Official title: Clinical Study on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Biportal Endoscopic Decompression Spine Surgery and Lumbar Decompression Fusion Surgery in the Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Run by The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine · NCT07289737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether biportal endoscopic decompression or standard decompression with fusion gives better pain relief, nerve recovery, and fewer complications for people aged 50–90 with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis who have not improved after conservative care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Yiwu, Zhejiang) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2030 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | December 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07289737 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people aged 50–90 with imaging-confirmed degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, chronic pain or neurologic symptoms that did not improve after at least three months of conservative treatment, and who can consent to either surgical option.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute spinal cord compression, prior spinal surgery, severe deformity, severe osteoporosis, active spinal infection, or major uncontrolled medical or psychiatric comorbidities are unlikely to benefit from the procedures studied here.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective cohort in which patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis choose either dual-channel (biportal) endoscopic decompression or lumbar decompression with fusion, with standardized surgical protocols and detailed perioperative documentation. Baseline and postoperative pain and neurological function are measured using VAS, JOA, and ODI scores, and imaging with MRI/CT is collected. Operative details (duration, blood loss, intraoperative findings) and tissue specimens are recorded, and patients are followed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months to compare pain relief, functional recovery, and complication rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the biportal endoscopic approach could offer similar symptom relief with less tissue trauma, shorter recovery, and lower perioperative morbidity compared with fusion for selected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous case series and short-term observational reports have shown promising results for biportal endoscopic decompression in lumbar stenosis and select spondylolisthesis patients, but high-quality comparative long-term evidence versus fusion remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged between 50 and 90 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis; 2. Clinical symptoms include chronic pain, nerve compression, or motor dysfunction, confirmed by imaging studies (e.g., MRI or CT); 3. No significant improvement after at least 3 months of conservative treatment (e.g., medication, physical therapy), meeting surgical indications; 4. Understand and consent to the relevant procedures of this study, and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients exhibiting acute spinal cord compression symptoms or requiring urgent surgical intervention; 2. Patients with a history of spinal surgery or conditions such as spinal deformities, severe osteoporosis, or active infections that may compromise surgical outcomes; 3. Patients with severe comorbidities affecting assessment, such as cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney failure, or uncontrolled diabetes; 4. Patients with psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairments preventing understanding or cooperation with the study process; 5. Patients with allergies to anesthetics or surgical equipment that may increase intraoperative risks.
Where it's running
-
4th Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
Yiwu, Zhejiang, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: xiang xue, MD
- Email: xuexiang@zju.edu.cn
- Phone: +86 057989935990
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Opioid-free versus opioid-based anesthesia for elective lumbar spine surgery
This test compares opioid-free multimodal anesthesia (with or without an erector spinae plane block) against opioid-containing anesthesia in adults having elective lumbar spine surgery to see which controls pain better and reduces opioid need in the first 48 hours after surgery.
-
Shenfu Injection to help wean and reduce ventilator dependence in adults on mechanical ventilation
This trial tests whether Shenfu Injection, added to standard care, helps critically ill adults on invasive ventilation breathe without the machine sooner and reduces diaphragm dysfunction.
-
AI-based MBBS epidemiology course assistant tests a Socratic agent for learning and critical thinking
A computer-based AI teaching assistant is being tested with MBBS students to see if it improves epidemiology learning, reasoning, and practical skills.
-
Spirulina for mouth ulcers during cancer radiotherapy
This trial tests whether taking spirulina tablets, alongside standard care, can lessen and shorten mouth ulcers caused by radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients.
-
Lecanemab Efficacy Monitoring with Gold Electrode ECL in Alzheimer’s
This study tests how well lecanemab works in people with Alzheimer’s by using a new blood test based on mesoporous gold electrode ECL to track biomarkers.
-
Keloid Pathways and Fibroblast Activation
This study tests tissue from keloid scars and nearby normal skin to see how fibroblasts and related molecules behave differently in keloids.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.