Actively Recruiting
Comparison of Delayed Versus Early Surgical Decompression for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Led by Fauji Foundation Hospital · Updated on 2026-05-13
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of early versus delayed surgical decompression in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury at a tertiary care hospital. This study addresses the conflicting evidence about the timing of surgery, especially focusing on the local population where data is limited. The goal is to determine which timing leads to better clinical outcomes and reduced morbidity among patients with acute spinal cord injury. The study compares two procedures: early surgical decompression performed within 24 hours of injury for patients presenting promptly, and delayed surgical decompression performed after 24 hours due to medical reasons or logistical delays. Both approaches are currently used in practice, and this study aims to systematically assess their impact on recovery. Participants will be monitored for at least 12 weeks after surgery, during which neurological improvement will be measured using the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS). The study will involve clinical evaluations, and data will be collected to compare outcomes between the two groups. The findings will help guide future surgical decisions for patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury in the local setting.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
DELAYED VERSUS EARLY SURGICAL DECOMPRESSION FOR TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients presenting with spinal cord injury (both cervical and thoracic) as defined in the operational definition
- Age from 18 to 60 years
- Both male and female patients
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients with penetrating spinal injuries such as gunshot or stab wounds
- Patients with pre-existing neurological conditions like myelopathy
- Patients with any kind of malignancy
- Patients with cerebrospinal fluid infection
- Patients not fit for general anesthesia (ASA Grade greater than 2)
- Diagnosis of subclinical or clinical polyneuropathy
- Non-traumatic or pathological fractures or cord compression
- Inability to cooperate with preoperative physical examination due to cognitive impairment
- Patients with previous spinal column injury or spinal cord injury
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to several days depending on medical optimization
Participants undergo either early surgical decompression within 24 hours of injury or delayed surgical decompression after 24 hours based on their medical condition and timing of presentation.
1 hospital stay encompassing surgery and immediate recovery
Duration - 12 weeks after surgery
Participants are followed up to assess neurological improvement and clinical outcomes after surgery.
Approximately 3 to 4 visits during follow-up period
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Dr. Salman Tahir, MBBS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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