Comparing minimally invasive surgery to standard surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Minimally Invasive Surgery vs Standard Posterior Approach in the Treatment of Developmental Idiopathic Scoliosis: Randomized Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · NCT05860673

This study is testing whether a new, less invasive surgery for scoliosis can work just as well as the traditional surgery for teens and young adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment126 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
Trial IDNCT05860673 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial evaluates the clinical and radiographic outcomes of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis treated using a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technique compared to the traditional posterior spinal fusion (PSF) technique. Patients aged 12 to 25 with specific curve measurements will be randomly assigned to one of the two surgical approaches. The study aims to determine if MIS is non-inferior to PSF in terms of curve correction while potentially offering benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and lower transfusion risks. Follow-up evaluations will occur at multiple intervals post-surgery to assess outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 25 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and a scoliotic curve between 40° and 70°.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone surgery for scoliosis or have conditions outside of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive surgical option for treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with comparable outcomes to traditional methods.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with minimally invasive techniques in spinal surgery, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with AIS
2. Age between 12 and 25 years;
3. Site of scoliotic curve: thoracic and/or lumbar;
4. Preoperative radiographic range of the main scoliotic curve between 40° and 70° according to Cobb;
5. Ability and consent of patients/parents to actively participate in the study and clinical follow-up.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients already treated surgically for scoliosis;
2. Site of the scoliotic curve: cervical;
3. Patients with scoliosis other than adolescent idiopathic scoliosis;
4. Patients who do not fall within the described parameters;
5. Unbalanced sagittal profile;
6. Patients unable to consent or perform follow-ups.
7. Pregnant women.

Where this trial is running

Bologna

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 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosisposterior spinal fusionmini invasive scoliosis surgeryrandomized trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.