Expert panel may help decide best back surgery

NCT ID NCT03570801

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

Summary

This study looks at two common surgeries for a back condition called lumbar stenosis with a mild slip (spondylolisthesis). One surgery just removes bone to relieve pressure, the other also fuses bones together. The study also tests whether having a panel of spine experts review X-rays before surgery helps patients and doctors choose the best option. About 662 adults will be followed for up to 2 years to see which approach leads to better pain relief and quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Expert panel review of x-rays

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help surgeons and patients decide which type of spine surgery is better for a common back condition.

What could go wrong

This is an observational registry, not a treatment trial. It won't prove which surgery is best, and results may not apply to all patients.

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 spinal stenosis spinal stenosis spondylolisthesis spondylosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Barrow Brain and Spine

    Scottsdale, Arizona, 85251, United States

  • Carle Neurosciences Institute

    Urbana, Illinois, 61801, United States

  • Cleveland Clinic Foundation

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

  • Columbia University

    New York, New York, 10027, United States

  • Goodman Campbell Brain & Spine

    Carmel, Indiana, 46032, United States

  • Hospital for Special Surgery

    New York, New York, 10021, United States

  • Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

    Burlington, Massachusetts, 01803, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

  • Mayo Clinic

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55902, United States

  • Norton Leatherman Spine Center

    Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States

  • University Health Network - Toronto Western Hospital

    Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada

  • University of California, San Fransisco

    San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

  • University of Miami

    Miami, Florida, 33125, United States

  • University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

  • University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

  • University of Utah Hospital

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States

  • University of Wisconsin

    Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States