Front-of-neck approaches for anterior cervical spine surgery and swallowing problems
Anterior Cervical Spine Strap Muscle Splitting Versus Smith-Robinson Approach: A Single-Centre Observational Study
Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation · NCT07533864
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07533864 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: martynia@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 950-521-2100
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery, anterior cervical spine surgery, dysphagia, Smith-Robinson, strap-splitting