Clinical Research Directory

Gait and Paraspinal sEMG in Degenerative Spinal Diseases

This cross-sectional observational study aims to quantitatively compare three-dimensional gait parameters, surface electromyography (EMG) patterns, and radiological parameters among patients with different degenerative spinal conditions-including lumbar disc herniation (LDH), lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), lumbar sagittal imbalance (LSI), degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS), and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)-alongside a healthy control group. The analysis focuses on spatiotemporal gait characteristics (step length, stride length, cadence), lower limb kinematics and kinetics (hip/knee/ankle joint angles, moments, and powers during stance and swing phases), and surface EMG amplitudes (thoracic erector spinae, multifidus, gluteus maximus, and rectus abdominis muscles) during standardized walking tasks. Additionally, radiological parameters (e.g., pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis, coronal Cobb angle) will be correlated with gait and muscle activation deviations. The study employs motion capture systems, force plates, and high-density EMG to objectively differentiate disease-specific movement impairments. Findings from this study may establish biomechanical and neuromuscular signatures for each degenerative condition, providing a framework for personalized rehabilitation strategies, gait retraining, and surgical outcome assessment in spinal disorders. Comparative analysis with healthy controls will further elucidate pathological alterations in gait and muscle recruitment patterns caused by degenerative spinal diseases.

Lumbar Interbody Implant Study

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and performance of NuVasive interbody implants when used during thoracic and/or lumbar spine surgery as measured by reported complications, radiographic outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes. This study is being undertaken to identify possible residual risks and to clarify mid- to long-term clinical performance that may affect the benefit/risk ratios of these interbody implants.

Distinguishing Non-Specific Low Back Pain from Scoliosis-Related Pain Via Quality of Life Questionnaires

Vertebral deformities, such as scoliosis, can have a significant impact on the physical and psychological health of patients. Over time, specific tools have been developed to investigate the extent of this impact; the SRS-22 (Scoliosis Research Society) questionnaire is the most commonly used instrument for assessing quality of life (QoL) in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), on the other hand, was developed to evaluate the quality of life in adult patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. The clinical protocols at our institute involve the regular and continuous evaluation of the quality of life in patients undergoing treatment and monitoring for scoliosis and other vertebral deformities. To this end, the SRS-22 questionnaire and the ODI questionnaire are employed, along with other measures such as the COMI (Core Outcome Measure Index) and ISYQoL (Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life). The aim of this study is to compare the properties of the ODI with those of the SRS-22 questionnaire in adults, by analyzing differences between individuals with non-specific low back pain and those with scoliosis. The secondary objective involves a sub-analysis based on the severity of scoliosis, dividing curves into major (30° Cobb or higher) and minor (below 30° Cobb). Finally, if sufficient data are available, the study will also evaluate other commonly used questionnaires (COMI and ISYQoL).

Spinal Bracing in Adults with Painful Degenerative Scoliosis: a Randomized Controlled Open Trial

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy on low back pain intensity at 6 months after randomization of a custom-molded lumbar-sacral orthosis as an add-on therapy to usual care in people with painful adult degenerative scoliosis.

The Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Exercise Trial (Pilot Study)

Adult degenerative scoliosis is the most common spine deformity in adults. Patients present a lateral curvature of the spine and vertebra rotation. Curves meeting indications for treatment affect 24% of the aging adult population. Adult scoliosis causes pain, curve progression, and cosmetic deformity affecting quality of life and function. Pain affects 90% of patients with AS. Other than surgery for severe cases and pain medication, very little non-operative treatments have been investigated. Scoliosis-specific exercises have shown promise in a single study in adults and in an Alberta adolescent study. The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial on the effect of Schroth exercises in adults with degenerative scoliosis compared to observation is to determine the feasibility of conducting a larger study. This study will help plan and secure funding for a larger study by examining the ability to recruit enough eligible participants, whether patients can follow the prescribed program session attendance and complete the home exercises prescribed. The early estimate the effects of the exercises on pain, quality of life, disability, deformity and posture measurements will help determine the potential of this approach and the likely success of a larger RCT. This study addresses a need of adults with degenerative scoliosis who do not meet surgical indications but still experience pain and disability by exploring a promising exercise approach.

Priority-Matching Correction Technique in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis

Surgical outcomes, including radiographic outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, postoperative complications, and revision surgery rates, were compared in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) who underwent correction surgery with reference to our priority-matching correction technique and the standard reported by Obeid and colleagues. Our findings may provide tangible guidance for surgical decision-making in DLS.

Clinical Outcome Measure at Stryker Spine

This is a multicenter, prospective, retrospective, Post Market Clinical Follow-up (PMCF) study in subjects who have undergone or will undergo surgery utilizing one or more Stryker devices according to Stryker cleared Instructions for Use (IFU).