Comparing physical therapy and surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized controlled multicenter trial that compares the effectiveness of structured physical therapy against surgical decompression in patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis. The study aims to determine whether physical therapy can be a viable nonsurgical alternative for patients whose symptoms suggest the need for surgical intervention. Participants will be evaluated based on their symptoms, MRI findings, and overall fitness for physical exercise. The trial will help clarify the efficacy of non-invasive treatment options for this condition.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients describing intermittent neurogenic claudication when walking and symptoms revealed by flexion of the spine.
* MRI shows lumbar spinal stenosis in one or two levels measured.
* The duration of the symptoms is longer than six months
* The patient is a candidate for surgical treatment
* The patient is capable of physical exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* Vascular intermittent claudication
* Lumbar spinal stenosis in more than two levels
* Previous low back surgery
* Symptomatic lumbar disc herniation
* Degenerative scoliosis with Cobbs angle 30 degrees or more
* Degenerative spondylolisthesis grade 2 or more
* Spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis
* Recent osteoporotic fractures in the spine (last 6 month)
* Severe symptomatic arthrosis in hip or knee
* Locally advanced or metastatic cancer
* ASA \>3
* Polyneuropathy recognized by neurography
* Insufficient Norwegian language skills

Where it's running

• Innlandet Hospital Trust
  Lillehammer, Norway Recruiting
• Martina Hansen's Hospital
  Oslo, Norway Recruiting
• St Olavs Hospital
  Trondheim, Norway Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Greger Lønne, md phd — Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Fac MH, INB
• Study coordinator: Greger Lønne, md phd
• Email: gloenne@me.com
• Phone: +4797114107

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.