NCT00022776

Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

Randomized Clinical Trial of Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 3
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 178 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of spaces in the backbone that results in pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots) is a condition that occurs frequently, particularly in the elderly. This condition can lead to significant pain and limit a person's ability to function. Moreover, doctors disagree about the best way to treat people with lumbar spinal stenosis. In this study we will compare surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with nonsurgical treatment using physical therapy. The results of this study should help clarify which treatment strategies are the most effective for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Detailed description

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a frequently encountered condition, particularly in the elderly, which can lead to significant pain and functional limitations. The prevalence of this condition is growing as the population continues to age. Substantial controversy exists regarding the management of lumbar spinal stenosis. Surgery has traditionally been the treatment of choice, although physicians typically recommend a trial of nonsurgical care prior to surgery. The most effective means of nonsurgical treatment has not been identified, although a "standard" regimen has been developed. There is presently no evidence in the literature regarding the relative effectiveness of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, or the efficacy of the standard nonsurgical treatment approach. This randomized clinical trial will compare surgical decompression versus nonsurgical treatment (i.e., physical therapy) of lumbar spinal stenosis. The results of this study should help clarify which treatment strategies are the most effective for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Conditions

• Spinal Stenosis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Surgical decompression	Simple decompression not requiring fusion.
PROCEDURE	Physical therapy	2 physical therapy sessions per week for 6 weeks Followed by home program.

Timeline

• Start date: 2000-09-01
• Primary completion: 2007-12-01
• Completion: 2007-12-01
• First posted: 2001-08-15
• Last updated: 2013-02-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States