Comparing two surgical methods for cervical disc herniation

The Comparative Study of Full-Endoscopic Cervical Posterior Discectomy and Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion for the Operation of Soft Cervical Disc Herniation.

NA · Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University · NCT04175535

This study is testing two different surgical methods for treating a herniated disc in the neck to see which one works better and is safer for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment308 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University (other)
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT04175535 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of Full-Endoscopic Cervical Posterior Discectomy with the standard Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion for patients with single-level soft cervical disc herniation. The study involves a randomized, double-blind design and aims to enroll 308 participants across three medical centers. Patients will be assigned to one of the two surgical interventions after a thorough preoperative evaluation, followed by a standard 5-year follow-up to assess outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with single cervical intervertebral disc herniation experiencing radicular pain or mild myelopathy who have not responded to conservative treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with multisegmental lesions, severe myelopathy, or those with prior surgical history at the target segment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a less invasive surgical option that may lead to quicker recovery and improved outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for endoscopic techniques in spinal surgery, suggesting potential benefits in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Single cervical intervertebral dis herniation wih symptoms of radicular pain or spinal cord compression ; 2) the herniated lesions had no obvious calcification; 3) conservative treatment fails ; 4) mild myelopathy (Nurick grade 3 or blow. (6) patients agree to participate in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. cervical segmental instability or deformity (cervical spondylolisthesis or Cobb Angle greater than 25°); 2) multisegmental lesions (≥2); 3) tumor, infection or other unknown space occupying in cervical vertebra; 4) surgical history of the target segment; 5) severe myelopathy (Nurick grade 4 or above); 6) the patients were not suitable for surgery, had poor medical management or did not agree to participate in this study.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: M-JOA Score, cervical disc herniation, endoscope, posterior, minimally invasive spine surgery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.