Glowing dye could make spine surgery safer

NCT ID NCT05808140

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a green dye called indocyanine green (ICG) can help surgeons see and protect nerves during spine surgery for a slipped disc. Forty patients were split into groups: some got the dye and a special camera, others had standard surgery. The goal was to see if the dye makes finding nerves faster and safer, potentially reducing nerve damage that can cause numbness or weakness.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Indocyanine Green (ICG)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could make spine surgery safer by helping surgeons avoid damaging nerves, reducing the risk of numbness or weakness after surgery.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 40 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The dye might not work well in all patients, and there is a small risk of allergic reactions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Intervertebral Disc Displacement lumbar disk herniation, susceptibility to

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University

    Wuhan, Hubei, 430062, China