Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Researchers are evaluating the PerQdisc Nucleus Replacement System in patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) affecting one or more lumbar discs. This prospective, open-label, multi-center study aims to collect additional safety and effectiveness data for this minimally invasive device. The PerQdisc is designed to replace the nucleus pulposus in lumbar discs between L1 and S1, offering an alternative to spinal fusion surgery by aiming to preserve disc height and maintain spinal motion to reduce chronic low back pain. The study involves surgical implantation of the PerQdisc device using standard anterior, lateral, or minimally invasive posterolateral approaches. All patients who meet inclusion criteria and have no exclusions will be considered for nucleus replacement surgery following review by a Medical Advisory Board. The device replaces the disc nucleus at a single level of the lumbar spine, intending to preserve spinal movement and reduce pain. Participants will be monitored for safety and performance outcomes over time, including pain and disability scores at 6 and 12 months. Researchers will assess device expulsion, failure, revision surgeries, disc height, range of motion, neurological status, analgesic use, and serious adverse events up to 5 years after surgery. The study includes clinical evaluations, imaging, and questionnaires to track progress and safety, with total follow-up extending to 5 years post-implantation.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is an age-related condition mainly affecting people aged 50 and over, caused by changes in the spine like ligament ossification or disc problems that compress the cervical spinal cord. It leads to symptoms such as hand numbness, clumsiness, and difficulty walking. This research aims to develop new surgical criteria based on physical performance tests alongside MRI and clinical signs to better guide surgery decisions for DCM, focusing on the Chinese population. The study involves confirming DCM diagnosis using MRI and orthopedic surgeon evaluation. Researchers will use physical performance tests such as the 10-second Grip and Release test, 10-second Stepping Test, and Foot Tapping Test over 24 months to assess functional deficits. These tests, combined with clinical indicators and MRI findings, will help establish objective criteria to predict the need for surgery. Participants will be evaluated regularly for their physical abilities and neurological function using these performance tests. The study will monitor changes over 24 months to assess hand and gait coordination. Researchers will also use clinical signs and patient cognitive ability to understand symptom progression. The goal is to improve surgical decision-making and recovery outcomes by identifying clear physical performance benchmarks in DCM patients.

The trial investigates the real-world use of INFUSE174 Bone Graft for patients in Korea who require lumbar fusion surgery due to degenerative disc disease. It is a prospective, observational, multi-center post-market surveillance study designed to collect data on the safety and effectiveness of this commercially available device used as intended. The study aims to follow over 600 cases during a four-year period after approval in Korea. Participants in this study are patients treated with INFUSE174 Bone Graft via anterior (ALIF) or oblique (OLIF) lumbar interbody fusion techniques. The device is approved for use as a substitute for autogenous bone graft in patients with degenerative disc disease who have undergone at least six months of nonoperative treatment. The study observes patients who have received this device according to standard care without altering their treatment. During the study, patients will be monitored for at least 12 months after surgery. Researchers will collect information about any adverse device effects and assess fusion status within this period. Clinical outcomes such as disability index (ODI), pain levels (VAS), and neurological success will be recorded at multiple timepoints including 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. This comprehensive follow-up aims to provide important real-world data on patient recovery and device performance.

Researchers are evaluating post-operative management approaches after a modified Lapidus arthrodesis surgery for hallux valgus, with or without additional surgeries such as Akin or Weil/Hohmann procedures. The study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of immediate full weight-bearing versus partial weight-bearing (10-15 kg) during rehabilitation. This randomized controlled trial explores a new rehabilitation method following foot surgery to improve recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups after surgery: one group will follow partial weight-bearing with a specialized VACOPASO shoe and use crutches along with antithrombotic medication for 6 weeks, while the other group will have immediate complete weight-bearing with the same shoe and medication for the same period. The surgical operation follows standard clinical practices for hallux valgus correction. During the study, healing progress will be monitored through standard X-rays at 6, 12, and 24 weeks to check bone healing, hardware fixation, and fracture alignment. Pain will be measured using a Visual Analogue Scale at the day of surgery and at follow-up visits. Quality of life and functional recovery will be assessed through established foot and ankle scoring systems at multiple time points. The main outcome is the subjective functional recovery measured by the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score at 6 weeks post-surgery.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a treatment called Intradiscal Cell Therapy (IDCT) for adults with mild to moderate, symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease affecting a single disc level between L3 and S1. This Phase III study compares IDCT to a sham procedure in a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial involving about 162 participants. The study includes a 52-week primary period followed by another 52-week follow-up, totaling 104 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either a single injection of IDCT containing 9 million cells per mL into the target disc or a sham needle insertion without active treatment. The injection is given as a 1 mL dose directly into the affected disc. Screening includes MRI and X-ray imaging to confirm eligibility and the location of disc degeneration. Randomization occurs 7 to 14 days before treatment. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including pain measurement using the Visual Analogue Scale and disability evaluation with the Oswestry Disability Index at multiple time points up to two years. Researchers will also monitor adverse events and other health outcomes, including quality of life, disc volume changes, medication use, and treatment failure rates. The study involves informed consent, regular visits, and imaging to ensure safety and collect data.

This research aims to observe and compare the outcomes of patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for degenerative disc disease. The study looks at two types of procedures: one using a device called Tritanium C and the other using structural allograft bone with plates. It is a combined observational study including both retrospective and prospective data collection to evaluate fusion success and adverse events. The study involves two groups: a retrospective cohort of up to 40 patients who previously received ACDF with structural allograft bone and plates, and a prospective group of 20 patients receiving Tritanium C as part of their standard care. Data includes patients treated at one or two contiguous cervical spine levels. The retrospective group will be matched to the prospective patients in a 2:1 ratio. Both cohorts have follow-up visits and imaging at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months post-operation to assess fusion and other outcomes. Participants will have clinical assessments including neck disability, neck and arm pain, and neurological status at baseline and during follow-up visits at 3, 6, and 12 months post-operation. Researchers will collect imaging and questionnaire data to measure fusion success and adverse events over time. The total participation period for retrospective patients includes up to one year of follow-up, while prospective patients are monitored through their standard care schedule. The study is conducted without blinding or randomization.

Researchers are evaluating a new way to provide preoperative information to patients who are candidates for spinal or urological surgery. This study is an interventional, randomized controlled trial conducted at multiple centers. It aims to compare a new multimedia-based method that objectively checks patient understanding against the standard informed consent process to see which better supports patient decision-making about surgery. Participants in the experimental group will receive detailed information through videos with surgical options, graphics, and animations. They will also have interviews with the surgeon and caregivers using 3D-printed models to guide shared decision-making. After deciding on surgery, patients will join educational programs to reinforce understanding before a final surgeon interview and signing of informed consent. The control group will receive the usual care, including a standard explanatory interview and consent signing. Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires assessing satisfaction, comprehension, mental health, pain, disability, urinary and sexual function, and legal outcomes at multiple time points: before surgery, at discharge, and at two and six months after surgery. The research team will monitor these measures to evaluate the impact of the new method on patient understanding and decision satisfaction over time.

This research aims to compare two manual therapy techniques, Active Release Technique and Strain-Counterstrain, in adults aged 18 to 45 years who experience non-specific neck pain. The study focuses on how these treatments affect pain levels, neck range of motion, the cranio-vertebral angle, and disability. Neck pain is a common problem worldwide and in Pakistan, often caused by muscle strain or poor posture, leading to discomfort and reduced quality of life. This trial seeks to provide insights into which technique may better improve symptoms and function in affected individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will receive the Active Release Technique applied to the trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, and suboccipital muscles for 15 minutes. Group B will receive the Strain-Counterstrain technique on the same muscles and for the same duration. Both groups will also receive hot packs, stretching of superficial neck muscles, and neck isometric exercises. Treatments will be given over four weeks, with assessments at the start and end of this period. During the study, participants will be evaluated for pain using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, neck disability with the Neck Disability Index, neck posture by measuring the cranio-vertebral angle, and neck mobility with a goniometer. These measurements will be recorded at the beginning and after four weeks of treatment. The study will be conducted at Safi Teaching Hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan, with ethical approval and informed consent. The findings aim to help improve clinical care for people with non-specific neck pain by identifying more effective manual therapy options.

Researchers are comparing the immediate effects of two types of exercises, motor imagery and motor control, on people with chronic neck pain. The study focuses on how these exercises influence pain levels, pressure pain threshold, neck position sense (cervical proprioception), and the ability to imagine movements (motor imagery). The goal is to better understand which exercise may help manage chronic neck pain symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a single session of motor imagery exercise based on the PETTLEP model or a single session of motor control exercise. Both interventions are studied as experimental approaches to see their acute impact on pain and motor functions related to chronic neck pain. During the study, participants will have their pain severity, pressure pain threshold, cervical proprioception, and motor imagery abilities measured before and immediately after the exercise session. This helps researchers evaluate the immediate changes caused by the interventions. The study enrolls adults aged 18 to 65 with chronic neck pain lasting at least 12 weeks and a specific pain intensity and cognitive function level.

Researchers are investigating the immediate effects of myofascial release therapy on neck pain, functional ability, and neck movement in people diagnosed with Text Neck Syndrome (TNS). TNS is a condition caused by prolonged forward head posture from excessive use of smartphones and other digital devices, especially among young adults. The study aims to explore how a single session of myofascial release might influence symptoms like neck pain and disability in this population. The treatment involves one session of standardized myofascial release techniques applied to the neck and upper back areas. A trained physiotherapist will perform four specific techniques: Single Arm Pull, Lateral Neck Shoulder Release, Thoracic Transverse Release, and Anterior Cervical Release. Each technique lasts about 90-120 seconds and is applied to both sides when appropriate. This study focuses on observing immediate changes before and after this therapy session. Participants will undergo assessments of neck pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale, functional disability using the modified Neck Disability Index, and cervical range of motion. These measurements will be taken right before and immediately after the intervention. The study includes volunteers aged 18 to 40 who use mobile devices for more than three hours daily and show symptoms of TNS. The findings will help inform future research and treatment approaches for posture-related neck problems.