Comparing two methods for cervical spine surgery
Official title: Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Following ACDF With Instrumentation Using Structural Allograft vs. Tritanium C
Run by Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute) · NCT04388332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether using Tritanium C or structural allograft bone during cervical spine surgery leads to better healing and fewer problems for patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute) Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 20, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04388332 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 diagnosed with degenerative disc disease who have not responded to non-operative therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have not undergone prior non-operative therapy or those with contraindications for surgery may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study observes the outcomes of patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using either Tritanium C or structural allograft bone. It includes a retrospective cohort of patients treated with structural allograft and a prospective cohort of patients receiving Tritanium C. The study aims to compare the rate of fusion success and adverse events between these two groups. Data will be collected from medical records and follow-up visits to assess radiographic outcomes and patient-reported outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify the more effective surgical method for treating degenerative disc disease, leading to better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar surgical approaches, but this specific comparison is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Males or females ≥18 years of age, ≤ 80 years of age 2. Subject is skeletally mature 3. Subject is diagnosed with degenerative disc disease (DDD) at one level or two contiguous levels from the C2 -T1 disc 4. Subject has received six weeks of non-operative therapy i.e. injections, physical therapy, oral steroids 5. Subject understands the conditions of enrollment and is willing to sign and date the Informed Consent (Prospective study) 6. Subjects that will prospectively undergo one or two level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with Tritanium C (Prospective study) 7. Subjects that underwent one or two level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with either standard of care structural allograft bone at any AHN facility from 01/01/2016 to 08/14/2023 (Retrospective study) • Note that these patients will be followed for a maximum of one year (up to 08/14/2024 for a patient enrolled at the end of this inclusion period) Exclusion Criteria: Patients may not be enrolled in the study if any of the following exclusion criteria are present: 1. Presence of an infection systemic or local 2. Presence of marked local inflammation 3. Subject has any abnormality present which affects the normal process of bone remodeling including, but not limited to, severe osteoporosis involving the spine, bone absorption, osteopenia, primary or metastatic tumors involving the spine, active infection at the site or certain metabolic disorders affecting osteogenesis 4. Use of bone growth stimulator 5. Subject has prior fusion at the levels to be treated 6. Subject has any neuromuscular deficit 7. Subject has any condition of senility, mental illness, or substance abuse 8. Subject has any other medical or surgical condition which would preclude the potential benefit of spinal implant surgery in the judgement of the PI 9. Subject has rapid joint disease, bone absorption, osteopenia, osteomalacia, and/or osteoporosis. Subject is pregnant or plans to become pregnant during the course of the study. 10. BMI≥40 kg/m2 11. Subject uses chronic corticosteroids 12. Subjects with current active psychiatric diagnosis or a personality disorder likely to interfere with the study 13. Subjects who smoke and do not plan to quit 14. Mental or neuromuscular disorder which would create an unacceptable risk of fixation failure or complications in postoperative care 15. Subject has any open wounds 16. Subject has inadequate tissue coverage over the operative site 17. Subject may be sensitive to titanium materials 18. Subject is missing 6 and/or 12 month clinical or radiographic follow-up (Retrospective study)
Where it's running
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Allegheny Health Network
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nestor Tomycz, MD — Allegheny Health Network
- Study coordinator: Nestor Tomycz, MD
- Email: nestor.tomycz@ahn.org
- Phone: 412-359-6200
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Bone marrow concentrate injection added to lumbar microdiscectomy
This trial tests whether adding a bone marrow aspirate concentrate injection during lumbar microdiscectomy helps adults recover better than surgery alone.
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IDCT (Intradiscal Cell Therapy) for single-level mild-to-moderate lumbar degenerative disc disease
This will test whether injecting IDCT (rebonuputemcel) into one degenerating lower-back disc can reduce chronic low back pain in adults with mild-to-moderate lumbar degenerative disc disease.
-
Novosis Putty used with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease
The trial will test whether using Novosis Putty during transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion helps adults with lumbar degenerative disc disease heal better compared with standard care.
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Evaluating a new treatment for painful disc degeneration
This study is testing a new non-surgical treatment for people with painful disc degeneration to see if it can help relieve their back pain when other treatments haven't worked.
-
Evaluating a hybrid surgical approach for cervical degenerative disc disease
This study is testing a new combined surgery for people with neck pain from two damaged discs to see if it works better and is safer than traditional surgery.
-
Evaluating LDGraft for lumbar spine surgery
This study is testing a new device called LDGraft to see if it is safe and effective for patients having surgery for lower back problems compared to using human tissue.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.