Hard cervical collar after posterior cervical fusion
Official title: Impact of a Hard Cervical Collar Versus No Cervical Collar on Recovery Outcomes Following Posterior Cervical Fusion: A Prospective Study
Run by Georgetown University · NCT07789288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether wearing a hard cervical collar for 6 weeks after posterior cervical fusion helps patients with degenerative cervical spine disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Georgetown University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07789288 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18+ with degenerative cervical spine disease undergoing posterior cervical fusion, including those with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, deformity, or pseudoarthrosis, who can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not experience improved fusion or symptom outcomes may not benefit from collar use, and some may experience burden or complications from wearing a collar.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, multi-site randomized trial comparing postoperative use of a FDA-approved hard cervical collar for six weeks versus no collar after posterior cervical fusion due to degenerative cervical spine disease. Participants will be followed with patient-reported outcomes before surgery and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, while radiographic fusion is assessed at 12 months. Primary outcome is radiographic fusion success at one year; secondary outcomes include neck and arm pain, neck disability, quality of life, patient satisfaction, wound infection, adverse events, and other postoperative complications. Eligible adults have degenerative disk disease and may have cervical spondylotic myelopathy, cervical deformity, or pseudoarthrosis; those with trauma, tumors, or infections are excluded. The study is led by Georgetown University with two participating MedStar sites in Washington, DC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could clarify whether hard cervical collars improve fusion rates and patient outcomes after posterior cervical fusion.
How similar studies have gone: Prior evidence on routine postoperative collar use is limited and inconsistently beneficial; this trial addresses a gap with a randomized design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Diagnosis of degenerative disk disease (DDD) * Ability to provide informed consent * Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, cervical deformity, or pseudoarthrosis Exclusion Criteria: \- Patients with trauma, tumors, or infections
Where it's running
-
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting -
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amjad Anaizi, MD — MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Amjad Anaizi, MD
- Email: Amjad.N.Anaizi@gunet.georgetown.edu
- Phone: 301-856-2323
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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.