Comparing surgical outcomes of two approaches for spine fusion

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes Between Pre Sympathetic Plexus and Post Sympathetic Plexus Approach

Observational Seoul National University Hospital · NCT04891432

This study looks at two different surgical methods for spine fusion to see if one approach causes fewer nerve injuries in patients with lumbar degenerative disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seoul, Korea)
Trial IDNCT04891432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the incidence of sympathetic chain injury between two surgical approaches—pre sympathetic plexus and post sympathetic plexus—during oblique lumbar interbody fusion. It will observe patients undergoing lateral lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative disease and assess any differences in the risk of sympathetic plexus damage associated with each approach. The study is observational and does not involve any experimental interventions beyond standard surgical practices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with lumbar degenerative disease requiring lateral lumbar interbody fusion of 1-2 segments between L2 to S1.

Not a fit: Patients who have had previous lumbar surgery, have significant muscle weakness, or have neuropsychiatric or cancerous diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help refine surgical techniques to minimize nerve damage during spine fusion procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach has been explored in other studies, the specific comparison of pre and post sympathetic plexus approaches in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with lumbar degenerative disease needs a lateral lumbar interbody fusion of 1-2 segments between L2 to S1.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who had previously had lumbar surgery
* Patients with muscle weakness of motor grade III or lower
* Patients with neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression
* Patients with musculoskeletal disease, inflammatory musculoskeletal disease, or infection
* Patients with cancerous disease
* Patients who do not want to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Seoul, Korea

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 Fusion of SpineSympathetic Nervous System
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.