Clinical Research Directory

Salt Water Gargling on Swallowing Following ACDF

The goal of this randomized control trial is to collect sufficient preliminary data on the efficacy of sodium chloride, hereafter referred to as "saltwater" or "saline" in reducing the difficulty of swallowing following multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures. The study population will consist of generally healthy adults ages 18 - 80. The main question it aims to answer is: If the symptomatology and severity of swallowing difficulties following ACDF surgery can be reduced by gargling with warm salt water. Researchers will compare the control and interventional arms to see if the proposed intervention of gargling with warm salt water improves difficulty swallowing following surgery. Patients in the control arm will be asked to: \- Complete three (3) questionnaires at specified intervals (preoperative, postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 7; and at 1-month postoperatively). Patients in the experimental/interventional arm will be asked to: * Complete three (3) questionnaires at specified intervals (preoperative, postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 7; and at 1-month postoperatively). * Gargle with a warm saltwater solution once on POD 0, and thrice daily from POD 1 to POD 7.

Osteo Match Cages Versus PEEK Cages in Osteoporotic Patients

This is a multicenter, prospective cohort study. The osteoporotic patients requiring posterior lumbar interbody fusion(LIF) with cages are prospectively enrolled and followed up. The patients undergoing LIF with the biomechanical-matched 3D-printed titanium cages (Osteo Match) are compared with those using routine PEEK cages. The hypothesis is that the use of Osteo Match cages can reduce the rate of cage subsidence and increase the rate of lumbar fusion in osteoporotic patients.

Registry for Degenerative Spinal Disease (RDSD)

The outcome after spinal surgery is important and the evidence is critical to develop treatment. The purpose of this study is to make a prospective registry of database for further research.

Preventive Effect of Limited Decompression on Adjacent Segment Following Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

This is a prospective single-center study. Patients requiring posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for degenerative disease are prospectively enrolled and followed. Patients enrolled in this study have asymptomatic pre-existing spinal canal stenosis at adjacent segment. This study will focus on the effects of preventative limited decompression at adjacent segment.

Effect of Pre-existing Adjacent Segment Degeneration on Long-term Effectiveness After Lumbar Fusion Surgery

This is a prospective single-center study. Patients requiring posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for lumbar degenerative disease are prospectively enrolled and followed. Important adjacent pre-existing degeneration factors include discs degenerated, facets and ligamentum flavum tropism which could lead to spinal canal stenosis (SCS). This study will focus on the effects of pre- existing adjacent degeneration (disc factors and spinal canal stenosis factors) on long-term postoperative outcomes.