Back surgery showdown: which procedure is better for spinal stenosis?

NCT ID NCT02348645

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether a larger trial is possible comparing two standard surgeries for lumbar spinal stenosis with a related condition called spondylolisthesis. The two procedures are decompression alone and decompression with fusion. The study enrolled 70 surgical candidates and focused on feasibility, such as recruitment rates and patient adherence, rather than final treatment outcomes.

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 pilot could pave the way for a larger trial that helps surgeons decide which surgery is better for this common back condition.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 70 participants, focused on feasibility, not on proving which treatment works best. Results may not apply to all patients.

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.

Low Back Pain lumbar spinal stenosis spinal stenosis spondylolisthesis spondylosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SPINAL STENOSIS SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Foothills Medical Centre

Calgary, Alberta, T2N 2N9, Canada
London Health Sciences Centre - Victoria Hospital

London, Ontario, N6A 5W9, Canada
Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre

Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada
Montreal General Hospital

Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada
Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre

Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2Y9, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
University Health Network

Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
Vancouver General Hospital

Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9, Canada

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