New nerve check during back surgery could prevent damage

NCT ID NCT02272140

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a method to monitor nerve health during a specific type of spine surgery called XLIF. Researchers used mild electrical stimulation on the lower back nerves during surgery and checked if changes in nerve signals could predict nerve problems after surgery. 324 adults with degenerative disc disease took part. The goal was to see if this monitoring technique can help surgeons avoid nerve injury.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

What this could lead to

If successful, this technique could help surgeons monitor nerve health during spine surgery and reduce the risk of nerve damage.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. The technique may not reliably predict nerve injury, and results may not apply to all spine surgeries.

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.

lumbar disk degenerative disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Columbia Orthopedic Group Research

    Columbia, Missouri, 65201, United States

  • Duke University Medical Center

    Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

  • Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education (FORE)

    Tampa, Florida, 33637, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

  • Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists, P.S.

    Spokane, Washington, 99208, United States

  • Piedmont Healthcare

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30309, United States

  • Scripps Clinical Research Services

    La Jolla, California, 92037, United States

  • Seton Brain and Spine Institute

    Austin, Texas, 78701, United States

  • USF Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Tampa, Florida, 33606, United States

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

  • West Augusta Spine Specialists, LLC

    Augusta, Georgia, 30909, United States

  • Western Regional Center for Brain & Spine Surgery

    Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, United States