To Brace or Not to Brace for Single Level Lumbar Fusion Pilot (NCT03439228)
To Brace or Not to Brace for Single Level Lumbar Fusion: a Pilot Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The use of a lumbar brace following single-level lumbar fusion for degenerative spondylosis (non-traumatic) is variable between surgeons. Some surgeons prefer to prescribe a brace and others do not. There is a lack of guidelines and evidence to support either treatment option. The purpose of this study is to assess feasibility and collect preliminary data to conduct a larger, definitive trial to provide evidence as to whether prescribing a brace or not results in better or equal outcomes. Imaging by CT scan, one year after surgery, will be used to analyze bone fusion (healing), and functional and pain scores from patients during their recovery will be compared to identify differences between patients who wore a brace and those who did not.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Hamilton General Hospital — Hamilton, Ontario
Age range: 18 Years to 80 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Hamilton General Hospital — Hamilton, Ontario
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (905) 521-2100
Email: martynia@mcmaster.ca
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Lumbar Spondylosis
- Comparative Effectiveness of Two Different Approaches to Radiofrequency Ablation of Lumbar Medial Branch Nerves — Hershey, Pennsylvania
- RFA Using Multi-Tined Electrodes vs.Traditional Electrodes for Lumbar Spondylosis — Little Rock, Arkansas
Explore by condition: All Lumbar Spondylosis clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.