Front-of-neck approaches for anterior cervical spine surgery and swallowing problems
Official title: Anterior Cervical Spine Strap Muscle Splitting Versus Smith-Robinson Approach: A Single-Centre Observational Study
Run by Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation · NCT07533864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will see if the Smith-Robinson or strap-splitting front-of-neck approach causes fewer swallowing or voice problems for adults having anterior cervical spine surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2028 |
| Study ends | July 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07533864 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) scheduled for primary anterior cervical procedures (ACDF, ACA, or ACCF) who can complete the HSS-DDI questionnaire in English are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients undergoing revision anterior surgery, planned anterior odontoid screw placement, or surgery for trauma are excluded and would not be represented by the results.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study compares swallowing and voice complications after two front-of-neck approaches for anterior cervical spine surgery: the Smith-Robinson approach versus the strap-splitting approach. Patients receive one of the two approaches based on surgeon preference as part of routine care and complete the HSS-DDI questionnaire in English to report swallowing symptoms. The study enrolls adults undergoing ACDF, anterior cervical arthroplasty, or ACCF and excludes revision anterior surgery, planned anterior odontoid screws, and trauma patients. Data are collected at Hamilton General Hospital to compare rates and severity of dysphagia and voice changes between the two techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help surgeons choose the approach that reduces swallowing and voice complications, improving recovery and quality of life after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior surgical series and observational studies have reported dysphagia and voice complication rates after different anterior cervical techniques, but findings are mixed and high-quality comparative data are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (18 years of age or older). * Patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery including Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), Anterior cervical arthroplasty (ACA) and Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) * Ability to complete HSS-DDI questionnaire in English Exclusion Criteria: * Planned use of anterior odontoid screws * Revision anterior surgery * Trauma patient
Where it's running
-
Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: martynia@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 950-521-2100
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Pain management techniques after cervical spine surgery
This study is testing two new pain management techniques after cervical spine surgery to see if they can help patients feel less pain and recover faster while using fewer opioids.
-
Using barb suture in obese patients for cervical spine surgery
This study is testing whether using special barb sutures during neck surgery can help obese patients recover better and have fewer problems after their operation.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.