Evaluating outcomes of surgery for complex adult spinal deformities

Multi-Center Prospective Evaluation of Complex Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

International Spine Study Group Foundation · NCT04194138

This study looks at how well surgery works for adults with complex spinal deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis to see if it can improve their health and reduce complications.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInternational Spine Study Group Foundation (other)
Locations18 sites (La Jolla, California and 17 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04194138 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the surgical treatment outcomes for patients with complex adult spinal deformities, including conditions like scoliosis and kyphosis. It will analyze both radiographic and clinical outcomes, assess surgical and postoperative complications, and identify risk factors for revision surgeries. The study will also develop a standardized classification system for complications and evaluate blood management approaches and pain management protocols to improve patient outcomes. By utilizing data from the ISSG database, the study seeks to establish best practice guidelines for managing complex adult spinal deformities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with complex spinal deformities who meet specific radiographic and procedural criteria.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age or those with active spine tumors, infections, or neuromuscular conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications for patients undergoing surgery for complex spinal deformities.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in evaluating surgical outcomes for spinal deformities, but this study aims to establish a more standardized approach, making it a novel contribution.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of adult congenital, degenerative, idiopathic or iatrogenic spinal deformity
2. Full body EOS radiographic assessment (sagittal and coronal visualization from skull to foot)
3. Complex patients are defined as and meeting any one of the subsequent criteria:

   1. Radiographic criteria:

      * PI-LL ≥ 25 degrees
      * TPA ≥ 30 degrees
      * SVA\>15cm
      * Thoracic scoliosis ≥ 70 degrees
      * Thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis ≥ 50 degrees
      * Global coronal malalignment \>7cm
   2. Procedural criteria:

      * Posterior spinal fusion \> 12 levels
      * 3 column osteotomy or ACR
   3. Geriatric criteria:

      * Age \>65 years and minimum 7 levels of spinal instrumentation during surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age \<18 years of age
2. Active spine tumor or infection
3. Deformity due to acute trauma
4. Neuromuscular conditions/diseases (Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Post-polio syndrome)
5. Syndromic scoliosis
6. Inflammatory arthritis/auto immune diseases (Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Ankylosing Spondylitis)
7. Prisoners
8. Women who are pregnant
9. Non English speaking patients

Where this trial is running

La Jolla, California and 17 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Adult Spinal Deformity, Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Sagittal Imbalance, Spinal deformity

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.