New decision tree aims to standardize care for common spine fractures
NCT ID NCT07706439
First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a clinical decision tree designed to guide treatment for low-energy vertebral compression fractures—common in older adults. The tree uses patient age, MRI findings, pain level, and bone deformity to recommend either vertebroplasty or conservative care. Researchers will track fracture healing and complications in 400 patients to see if this structured approach improves outcomes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a clinical decision tree for management (including vertebroplasty or conservative care)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a standardized, evidence-based approach to treating vertebral fractures, potentially improving healing rates and reducing unnecessary procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational evaluation, not a randomized trial, so it cannot prove the decision tree is better than other approaches. Results may not apply to all patients or settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
About 400 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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.
Who is studied
In this study, all patients treated for one or more low-energy vertebral compression fractures (LEVCFs) in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology at Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, according to the clinical decision tree, between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2025, will be eligible for inclusion.
- Ages
-
18 to 100 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 50 years * One or more low-energy vertebral compression fractures (LEVCFs) confirmed by MRI * Fractures located between T7 and L5 * Compression fractures classified as A1.1, A1.2, or A1.3 according to the Magerl classification \[15\] * Management in accordance with the clinical decision tree * Vertebroplasty performed by an interventional radiologist, orthopedic surgeon, or neurosurgeon * Vertebral augmentation performed by an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon, with or without navigation assistance * Conservative treatment consisting of a lumbar brace worn during daytime, with duration individualized according to the patient's needs, and physiotherapy initiated between 45 and 90 days after treatment, including core stabilization, stretching, and strengthening of the posterior muscle chain and abdominal muscles, based on active rehabilitation rather than manual therapy (no massage therapy). Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Individuals under administrative or judicial supervision * Age \< 50 years or \> 90 years * Pathological vertebral fracture * Presence of other osteoporotic fractures during the study follow-up period (6 months) * Non-compliance with the clinical decision tree * Dementia or cognitive impairment preventing data collection at the final follow-up (telephone interview), assessed using the Mini-Cog test (score \< 3 = exclusion) * Refusal to participate during the telephone interview or inability to provide non-opposition (e.g., under legal guardianship)
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Thoracolumbar low-energy vertebral compression fractures are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
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
-
Grenoble Alpes university Hospital
La Tronche, 38700, France