Evaluating neck muscle measurements as indicators of frailty in patients having head and neck surgery

SCM Muscle as a Marker for Frailty in Patients Undergoing ENT Surgery

Observational Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT06704256

This study is testing if the size of neck muscles can help predict frailty in patients having non-cancer head and neck surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06704256 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the connection between physical frailty and the size of neck muscles in patients undergoing non-cancer head and neck surgeries. By analyzing pre-surgical CT scans, the study seeks to identify how muscle measurements can serve as markers for frailty, potentially influencing surgical outcomes. The research will involve non-oncologic patients, focusing on those who have undergone imaging prior to their procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-oncologic patients scheduled for head and neck surgery with available neck CT scans.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing cancer surgery, those under 18 years of age, or those without pre-surgical CT scans will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve pre-surgical assessments and outcomes for frail patients undergoing head and neck surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using neck muscle measurements as frailty indicators is novel, similar studies have explored frailty in surgical populations with varying success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-oncologic patients presenting for head and neck surgery with available neck CT scans.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing cancer surgery
* Patients under18 years of age
* Patients without pre-surgical CT-scans of the head and neck

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 Frailty
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.