Clinical Research Directory

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.