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Evaluation of endoscopic procedures to avoid spinal fusion

ESCAPE : Evaluation of Spinal Conservation by Endoscopic Procedures to Avoid Fusion

University Hospital, Bordeaux · NCT06950853

This study tests if endoscopic procedures can help people with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis avoid the need for more invasive spinal fusion surgeries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment375 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Bordeaux (other)
Locations13 sites (Bordeaux and 12 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06950853 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of endoscopic techniques for decompression of the lumbar spine in patients with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. The approach aims to minimize the need for more invasive spinal fusion surgeries by preserving the physiological function and stability of the lumbar spine. Patients will be assessed based on specific spinal pathologies and their eligibility for endoscopic surgery. The study is observational, focusing on real-world outcomes of this innovative surgical method.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with specific spinal pathologies requiring surgical intervention, such as lumbar stenosis or degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Not a fit: Patients with severe spinal deformities or those under guardianship may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the need for spinal fusion surgeries, leading to quicker recovery times and better overall spinal health for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with endoscopic techniques in spinal surgery, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient ≥ 18 years old
* Patient consulting for a medical reason involving a spinal pathology in the investigating center :

Syndrome adjacent to an old lumbar arthrodesis defined on preoperative radiographs by an antero-posterior translation \> 3 mm, segmental kyphosis \> 10° or a disc height reduced by more than 50%, or on preoperative MRI by central stenosis of grade C or D of the Schizas classification or a herniated disc Grade 1 or 2 degenerative spondylolisthesis, i.e. with slippage less than 50% of the depth of the underlying vertebral body.

Lumbar stenosis complicating lumbar scoliosis defined by a deformation with rotation of the vertebral bodies on a frontal radiograph (absence of centering of the spinous process between the two pedicles of the vertebra concerned) and a Cobb angle greater than 20° or a rotational dislocation .

\- Indication for spinal surgery by endoscopy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient under guardianship or curatorship,
* Persons deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision,
* Persons undergoing psychiatric treatment under duress requiring the consent of the legal representative
* Persons unable to express their consent,
* Persons under legal protection,
* Patient not affiliated to a social protection scheme.

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux and 12 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: Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, spine, care, 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.