Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 80

Impact of pre-existing degeneration on outcomes after lumbar fusion surgery

Official title: Effect of Pre-existing Adjacent Segment Degeneration on Long-term Effectiveness After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: a Prospective Cohort Study

Run by Peking University Third Hospital · NCT04467944 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how existing back problems affect recovery and quality of life for patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery.

More Degenerative Disc Disease trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment210 (estimated)
SponsorPeking University Third Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 1, 2018
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2022
Study endsDecember 31, 2032
Registry record updatedJuly 13, 2020
Trial IDNCT04467944 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis who have not responded to at least eight weeks of conservative treatment.

Probably not a fit

Patients with unstable adjacent segments, significant spinal imbalance, infections, tumors, or prior lumbar fusion surgeries may not benefit from this study.

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 enrolls patients requiring posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for degenerative lumbar conditions. It focuses on the influence of pre-existing adjacent segment degeneration factors, such as degenerated discs and spinal canal stenosis, on long-term postoperative outcomes. The study aims to identify how these factors affect the risk of adjacent segment disease and the overall quality of life post-surgery. By analyzing these pre-existing conditions, the research seeks to improve surgical strategies and patient management.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance postoperative outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery.

How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored adjacent segment degeneration, this study's specific focus on asymptomatic pre-existing conditions represents a novel approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A clear diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis, and surgical level of L4- S1 (The levels to be operated on were decided by matching the clinical symptomatology with the radiological findings of the spinal levels that needed decompression);
* Failed at least eight weeks conservative treatment;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unstable factors (slip, rotation, lateral bending, etc.) in adjacent segment L3/4;
* Preoperative sagittal and coronal imbalance of the spine;
* Lumbar infection and/or tumor diseases;
* A previous history of lumbar fusion surgery.

Where it's running

  • Peking University Third Hospital
    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.