Spinal surgery showdown: which approach wins for myelopathy?

NCT ID NCT02076113

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two common surgical approaches—front (ventral) and back (dorsal)—for treating cervical myelopathy, a condition where the spinal cord is compressed in the neck. Researchers want to see which surgery leads to better quality of life and function one year after the operation. About 269 adults with multi-level compression are being followed to gather evidence that could guide future treatment decisions.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to
If successful, this could help doctors choose the best surgical approach for patients with cervical myelopathy, leading to better recovery and quality of life.
What could go wrong
This is an observational comparison of existing procedures, not a test of a new drug or device. Results may not apply to all patients, and individual outcomes vary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cleveland Clinic Foundation

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States

  • Columbia

    New York, New York, 10032, United States

  • Emory

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States

  • Hospital for Special Surgery

    New York, New York, 10021, United States

  • Lahey Hospital and Medical Center

    Burlington, Massachusetts, 01805, United States

  • Medical College of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States

  • MetroHealth

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44109, United States

  • Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School

    Newark, New Jersey, 07103, United States

  • Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States

  • University Health Network-University of Toronto

    Toronto, Ontario, M5T2S8, Canada

  • University of California- San Francisco

    San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

  • University of Kansas Medical Center

    Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

  • University of Utah Health Sciences

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States

  • University of Wisconsin

    Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States

  • Washington University School of Medicine- St. Louis

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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