Comparing different techniques for lumbar spine surgery

Short-term Clinical Outcome of Cortical Bone Trajectory Compared With the Traditional "Open" and Minimal Invasive Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Observational University Medical Center Groningen · NCT05538416

This study is testing if a new way of doing back surgery can help people feel less pain after surgery compared to traditional methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Groningen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Groningen)
Trial IDNCT05538416 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares three techniques for posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF): cortical bone trajectory PLIF (CBT-PLIF), minimal invasive PLIF (MI-PLIF), and traditional open PLIF. It includes 180 patients, with 60 undergoing CBT-PLIF and 120 analyzed retrospectively from previous data on open and MI-PLIF. Patients will complete questionnaires before surgery and at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively to assess pain levels and outcomes. The main goal is to determine if CBT-PLIF results in less low back pain in the short term compared to the other techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with low-grade degenerative or spondylolytic spondylolisthesis and persistent leg pain for over 3 months.

Not a fit: Patients with previous spinal fusion at the same level, severe obesity, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced pain for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with different PLIF techniques, but this specific comparison of CBT-PLIF is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-75 years
* Degenerative or spondylolytic spondylolisthesis
* Neurogenic claudication and/or radicular leg pain
* Low grade (Meyerding grade l and ll)
* Persistent complaints for over 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous spine fusion surgery at the same level
* Osteoporosis
* Active infection or prior infection at the surgical site
* Active cancer
* Spondylolisthesis grade lll or greater
* More than one symptomatic level that needs fusion
* Pregnancy
* Contraindication for surgery
* Severe mental or psychiatric disorder
* Substance abuse
* Inadequate knowledge of Dutch language
* Morbid obesity (body mass index \>40)

Where this trial is running

Groningen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Degenerative SpondylolisthesisSpondylolytic Spondylolisthesis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.