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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for POST OPERATIVE SCIATICA BY LUMBAR SPINAL FIBROSIS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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