Clinical Research Directory

Kore Fiber PLF Study

This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluating Kore Fiber® versus autograft in adults undergoing posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF). Participants will receive Kore Fiber on one side of the spine and autograft on the opposite side according to randomized assignment. Fusion outcomes, pain outcomes, and safety will be assessed over 12 months.

Intertransverse Process Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block for Pain Relief in Lumbar Spine Surgery

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether two types of ultrasound-guided nerve block, the intertransverse process block and the erector spinae plane block, reduce pain and the need for opioid pain medicines during and after lumbar spine surgery in adults. It also compares the two blocks with each other. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do patients who receive either nerve block need less morphine in the first 24 hours after surgery than patients who receive only local anesthetic injected at the skin incision? Is there a difference between the two nerve blocks in pain scores, the amount of opioid medicine needed during and after surgery, the time until patients first ask for pain medicine, and side effects? Researchers will compare three groups: an erector spinae plane block group, an intertransverse process block group, and a control group that receives local anesthetic infiltration at the incision site. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to one of the three groups before surgery Receive the nerve block on both sides of the spine with ropivacaine before general anesthesia (block groups), or local anesthetic infiltration along the planned incision after induction of anesthesia (control group) Undergo general anesthesia and lumbar spine surgery following the same standard protocol Use a patient-controlled analgesia pump that delivers morphine on demand for 24 hours after surgery Rate their pain at rest and during movement at set times over the first 24 hours, and be monitored for side effects such as nausea and vomiting

Role of Intraoperative Computed Tomography in Assessment of Spine Instability in Lumbar Degenerative Disease

This study examines how well computed tomography (CT) imaging performed during spine surgery - known as intraoperative CT - can detect instability in the lower (lumbar) part of the spine. Spinal instability means that the bones of the spine move more than they normally should, which can contribute to pain and may affect the outcome of surgery. Before surgery, doctors usually check for this instability using X-rays taken while the patient bends forward and backward. These X-rays do not always show instability clearly. During surgery, the patient lies face down and the muscles are fully relaxed, which can change how the spine appears on imaging. The purpose of this study is to learn whether CT images taken during surgery can identify signs of lumbar spinal instability as reliably as standard imaging performed before surgery, and whether they can reveal signs of instability that were not visible beforehand. To do this, the researchers will review imaging and clinical information from adults who are undergoing surgery for degenerative (wear-related) conditions of the lower spine. This study does not change a patient's surgery or treatment. It only analyzes imaging and clinical information that are already part of standard care. The findings may help guide imaging and surgical decisions in lumbar spine surgery in the future.

TLIP Block Versus Retrolaminar Block on Quality of Recovery After Posterior Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery

This prospective randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block versus retrolaminar block on postoperative quality of recovery in patients undergoing posterior lumbar spine fusion surgery. Despite advances in surgical techniques, lumbar spine fusion is associated with significant postoperative pain, which may delay recovery and increase opioid consumption. Recent approaches emphasize multimodal analgesia and opioid-sparing strategies, including regional anesthesia techniques. Interfascial plane blocks, such as TLIP and retrolaminar block, have gained attention due to their safety and effectiveness in targeting the dorsal rami of spinal nerves supplying the posterior spinal structures. The primary outcome of this study is postoperative quality of recovery assessed using the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire at 24 hours. Secondary outcomes include pain scores, opioid consumption, time to ambulation, time to oral intake, and postoperative complications.

Digital Health for Lumbar Degeneration

This study will integrate wireless wearable sensors, smartphone imaging, and multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) to address the rehabilitation needs of patients with lumbar degeneration. Patients will undergo comprehensive functional assessments, and individualized exercise instruction with real-time feedback will be provided through a smartphone application. The goals of this research are to: (1) develop a multimodal AI-based digital health system combining IMU sensors and smartphone cameras for real-time assessment and interactive rehabilitation training, (2) construct biomechanics- and gait-analysis models to support personalized rehabilitation for patients with lumbar degeneration, and (3) investigate the mechanisms and clinical efficacy of pelvic control exercise training combined with real-time smartphone feedback in improving function and quality of life for aging patients.

Outcomes of Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Spine Diseases

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of surgery on the elderly patients with DSD.