NCT07358273

Conservative Care Versus Decompression Trial for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Pilot

Conservative Care Versus Decompression Trial for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Pilot: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 56 (estimated)
• Sponsor: McMaster University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study is a pilot randomized clinical trial designed to test whether it is feasible to conduct a larger study comparing two standard treatments for mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can enough participants be recruited and successfully complete follow-up assessments? * Will participants adhere to their assigned treatment? Researchers will compare two groups: * Surgical group: Participants receive decompressive spine surgery (with or without fusion). * Conservative care group: Participants follow a structured program that includes education, fall prevention strategies, and tailored exercises. Participants will: * Complete baseline and follow-up assessments at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. * In the surgical group: undergo surgery within 12 weeks of randomization and receive standard post-operative care. * In the conservative care group: follow a 6-week progressive exercise program and continue self-management strategies. * Complete a monthly online symptom monitoring questionnaire

Conditions

• Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Decompression Surgery	Surgical decompression of the cervical spine
OTHER	Conservative Care	Conservative care Program for cervical myelopathy

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-01
• Primary completion: 2027-06-01
• Completion: 2027-06-01
• First posted: 2026-01-22
• Last updated: 2026-01-22