Comparing early versus delayed surgery for traumatic cervical spinal cord injury

Prospective Study for Delay in Surgical Treatment of Traumatic Cervical Central Cord Injury in Canal Stenosis

Not applicable Interventional Nantes University Hospital · NCT02673320

This study is testing whether having surgery within 48 hours is just as good as waiting 15 days for people with a specific type of spinal cord injury.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNantes University Hospital Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Angers and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02673320 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of timing on surgical treatment for patients with acute traumatic cervical central cord syndrome caused by a narrow spinal canal. It aims to demonstrate that early surgical intervention within 48 hours is not inferior to surgery performed after a delay of 15 days. The study will involve patients who have sustained a cervical spinal cord contusion, with the surgical approach determined by clinical and radiological assessments. The goal is to provide clarity on the optimal timing for surgical intervention in this complex condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord contusion and a Glasgow score of 13 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with non-traumatic cervical canal issues or those with contraindications to MRI or the surgical methods studied may not benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery for patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of comparing surgical timing is not widely tested, similar studies in spinal surgery have shown varying results, indicating the need for further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Man or woman,
* Aged from 18 years old or over,
* Initial glasgow score ≥ 13,
* Initial ASIA score grade A-D,
* Scan of the cervical spine in bone windows
* Posttraumatic cervical spinal cord contusion on narrow cervical canal confirmed by MRI,
* Complete or incomplete tetraplegia on whiplash on narrow cervical canal,
* Patient's consent form (or, if appropriate, by an third party independent of the sponsor and the investigator in the case of physical disability to sign)
* Location of the stepped spinal cord injury C2 to t1,
* Affiliation to a social security system.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Nontraumatic narrow cervical canal,
* Nontraumatic not acute cervical myelopathy,
* Cervico brachial neuralgia,
* Contraindication to one of the methods studied, of a functional exploration, subject on exclusion period,
* Penetrating cervical-spinal wounds,
* Lesions threatening the vital prognosis and preventing the emergency decompression,
* Contraindications to MRI : Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator or pacemaker neurosensory, cochlear implants, ocular or cerebral ferromagnetic foreign body close to the nerve structures, metal prostheses, agitation of the patient : not cooperating or agitated patients, claustrophobic subjects, valves of neurosurgical ventriculoperitoneal shunt, dental braces,
* Pregnant women,
* Unconscious patients whose score ASIA is not feasible,
* Adults under a legal protection regime (guardianship, trusteeship, safeguard justice).

Where this trial is running

Angers and 4 other locations

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 Acute Traumatic Cervical Central Cord Syndrom InjuryDelay of SurgeryDecompressive SurgeryCanal StenosisSchneider SyndromQuality of lifeFunctional Outcome
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.