Ear zap may tame inflammation after spine surgery
NCT ID NCT07218133
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 19, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can lower inflammation and pain after major spine surgery. About 50 adults having long-segment spinal fusion will be randomly assigned to receive the stimulation or standard care. Researchers will measure inflammatory markers in the blood and track pain scores to see if the device helps recovery.
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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 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- 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: * Long-segment spinal fusions (defined as constructs spanning at least L2-pelvis for thoracolumbar fusions or C2-T2 for cervical fusions) * Ability to undergo a reliable neurologic examination and pain assessments Exclusion Criteria: * Patients \<18 years of age * Shorter-segment spinal fusions than those described above * Undergoing current active cancer therapy * Undergoing treatment with immunosuppressive drugs * Additional spinal surgery within past 6 months * Sustained bradycardia or presence of pacemaker * History of substance abuse
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Washington University School of Medicine
RECRUITINGSt Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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