Can a drug melt away painful scar tissue after back surgery?

NCT ID NCT00385086

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

Summary

This study tested whether a drug that blocks TNF-alpha, a protein involved in inflammation and scar formation, can reduce sciatica pain in people who developed spinal scar tissue after back surgery. 38 adults with persistent pain after discectomy received either the drug or a placebo. The main goal was to see if pain levels improved.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

TNF-alpha blocker

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a new treatment option for chronic sciatica caused by scar tissue after back surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with only 38 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. TNF blockers also carry risks like increased infection.

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.

Fibrosis Pain sciatic neuropathy sciatica

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hopital Cochin

    Paris, Paris, 75014, France