Can we finally settle the surgery debate for mild spinal cord compression?
NCT ID NCT07358273
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study aims to see if a larger trial comparing two standard treatments for mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression) is possible. 56 adults with mild symptoms will be randomly assigned to either decompressive surgery or a structured conservative care program including education and exercises. The main goal is to test recruitment, follow-up, and treatment adherence, not to determine which treatment is better.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 56 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Feb 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Show evidence of spinal cord compression between C2 and T1 on MRI or CT myelography conducted within 2 years of enrollment * Present with mild DCM defined as a score of 15-17 on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical suspicion that myelopathic symptoms are exacerbated or caused by another neurologic condition (i.e. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, syringomyelia, peripheral neuropathy) * Demonstrate ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) * Previous cervical spine surgery * Report known or suspected tandem symptomatic thoracic or lumbar spinal stenosis * Present with an acute traumatic spinal cord injury (i.e., central cord syndrome) * Have a prior history of an acute spinal cord injury * Have spinal cord compression due to an infectious or oncologic process * Inflammatory arthritis * Significant active health-related comorbidity (ASA Class IV or higher) * English language ability insufficient to complete outcome questionnaires
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
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How to take part
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The official record
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A doctor treating you
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