Comparing two surgical methods for treating cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

An Open-label Randomized Multi-centre Study to Evaluate Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion Versus Posterior Laminoplasty in Patients With Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Not applicable Interventional Shanghai Changzheng Hospital · NCT04968028

This study is testing whether a new surgical method called ACAF is safer and more effective than a traditional surgery called Laminoplasty for adults with severe neck problems caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment164 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorShanghai Changzheng Hospital Academic / other
Locations12 sites (Shenzhen, Guangdong and 11 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04968028 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion (ACAF) compared to Laminoplasty in patients with severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. A total of 164 adult participants aged 18-70 will be randomly assigned to either the ACAF or Laminoplasty group in a 1:1 ratio. The study will follow participants for two years to assess outcomes related to efficacy, safety, and imaging results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-70 diagnosed with severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and experiencing symptoms of spinal cord compression.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital malformations, other spinal diseases, or inflammatory conditions affecting the cervical spine may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective surgical option for patients suffering from severe cervical ossification, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on surgical interventions for cervical ossification, this specific comparison of ACAF and Laminoplasty is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. The patient's age is 18-70 years old, regardless of gender;
2. The patient was diagnosed as severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (X-ray or CT showed ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament); The imaging findings showed occupied ratio ≥ 60% or involved three or more segments;
3. Symptoms of spinal cord and nerve root compression, or accompanied by spinal cord compression symptoms such as dysfunction of urination and defecation, conservative treatment was ineffective or aggravated gradually;
4. The participant (or his legal guardian) can sign the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Congenital malformations (including but not limited to occipitocervical malformations, congenital cervical fusion, cervical related neurovascular malformations), ossification of cervical ligamentum flavum, cervical trauma, cervical cancer, cervical tuberculosis and other inflammatory diseases;
2. Patients with other spinal diseases such as thoracolumbar vertebrae that affect clinical symptoms; Patients with motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other nervous system diseases;
3. The symptoms were aggravated due to recent trauma;
4. Patients who participated in other clinical trials in recent 3 months;
5. The participant (or his legal guardian) with mental illness and cognitive impairment can not give full informed consent;
6. Those who are in poor health and can not tolerate surgery; The patients were not suitable for surgical treatment after preoperative examination.

Where this trial is running

Shenzhen, Guangdong and 11 other locations

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 Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal LigamentCervical Spondylosis With MyelopathyOPLLCervical Spondylotic MyelopathyACAFLaminoplastyMulticenter Study
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.