Less surgery vs more surgery for back pain: which is better?
NCT ID NCT04542720
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at people who have back pain after a previous spinal fusion surgery. It compares two surgical options: a simpler surgery to relieve pressure on nerves, or a more complex surgery that also extends the fusion. The goal is to see which approach leads to better recovery and quality of life. About 96 adults will take part, and their progress will be tracked using patient-reported outcomes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- surgery (decompression or decompression with fusion)
- What this could lead to
- If this trial succeeds, it could clarify whether simpler surgery works as well as more complex surgery for this back condition, potentially reducing unnecessary procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 96 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The outcomes depend on patient reports, which can vary widely.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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