Comparing Anterior and Posterior Surgery for Lumbar Isthmic Spondylolisthesis
Official title: Anterior vs Posterior Surgery for Lumbar Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Run by University of British Columbia · NCT05701046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether surgery from the front or back is better at relieving leg pain and improving quality of life for people with a specific type of back condition called isthmic spondylolisthesis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 489 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 5, 2023 |
| Main results expected | February 15, 2028 |
| Study ends | February 15, 2038 |
| Registry record updated | May 9, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05701046 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older requiring surgical treatment for single-level lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with previous spinal surgery or specific pathologies at adjacent levels may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to compare the effectiveness of anterior versus posterior interbody fusion surgeries in patients diagnosed with symptomatic isthmic spondylolisthesis. It will assess outcomes such as leg pain relief, adverse events, reoperations, and quality of life over a period of up to 10 years. The primary endpoint focuses on the proportion of patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference in leg pain after one year. The study will also analyze economic factors related to the surgical approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the most effective surgical approach for treating isthmic spondylolisthesis, leading to improved patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there is clinical equipoise regarding surgical techniques for this condition, similar studies have not definitively established a superior approach, making this investigation particularly relevant.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female aged 18 years or older (or who have reached the age of majority in the participating province) * Require surgical treatment for a diagnosis of single-level lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis, any grade, in the lumbar and lumbosacral spine. * Are able to communicate in English or French * Anterior interbody fusion group will be defined as having had an anterior or oblique approach with a synthetic cage insertion, interbody bone graft without cage or plate-screw construct with or without posterior rod-screw construct * Posterior interbody fusion group will have only posterior approach procedure. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous spinal surgery * Specific pathology at level above and below: * Degenerative anterolisthesis * Pars defect above or below index level
Where it's running
-
Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Charlotte Dandurand
- Email: charlotte.dandurand@vch.ca
- Phone: (604) 875-5859
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.