Evaluating a single-question measure for lumbar discectomy outcomes

The Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE): Is a Reliable Metric to Measure Clinically Significant Improvements After Lumbar Discectomy

Windsor-Essex Compassionate Care Community · NCT05070078

This study is testing a simple one-question survey to see if it can effectively measure how well people feel after having surgery for a herniated disc in their lower back.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWindsor-Essex Compassionate Care Community (other)
Locations1 site (Windsor, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05070078 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), a one-question patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess functional health in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy. The SANE score allows patients to rate their function on a scale from 0 to 100, aiming to reduce survey fatigue and improve data integrity compared to traditional, longer questionnaires. By validating the SANE in this specific surgical context, the study seeks to streamline the assessment process while maintaining the quality of patient-reported outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled to undergo lumbar discectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of lumbar surgery, those under 18, or individuals with specific complications such as cauda equina syndrome may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could simplify outcome assessments for patients undergoing lumbar discectomy, leading to better patient engagement and more reliable data.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar single-question outcome measures in orthopedic contexts, suggesting potential for this approach in lumbar discectomy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient over 18 years of age undergoing a lumbar discectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous history of lumbar surgery.
* Pediatric age group.
* Patients with a postoperative follow-up time of less than 1 year.
* Unstable patients in need of fixation.
* Patients with cauda equina syndrome.
* Non-compliant patients.

Where this trial is running

Windsor, Ontario

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lumbar Discectomy, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Patient Reported Outcome Measures

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.