Clinical Research Directory

Does the Cervical Stenosis Affect Hand Function?

The cervical spine is a complex structure that supports the weight of the head and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical spinal stenosis (CSS), which develops as a result of degenerative processes, can cause narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of nerve structures, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. This condition can negatively affect hand function, particularly grip strength and dexterity. However, studies in the literature examining the effect of CSS on grip strength and hand function are limited. Therefore, our study will be conducted to determine the effect of the severity of cervical spinal stenosis, identified in patients who underwent MRI following their presentation with cervical problems at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, İzmir Democracy University, on hand grip strength and functionality. Grip strength will be assessed using the Jamar hand dynamometer, and fine pinch strength will be evaluated using the Lafayette pinch meter. Additionally, hand functionality will be measured using the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The impact of neck pain on daily life will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index. The data obtained will be compared and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. This study is expected to fill a significant gap in the current literature by comprehensively elucidating the effects of cervical stenosis on hand function and grip performance, thereby contributing to the individualization of rehabilitation approaches.

Multicentric Case Series of Uniportal Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Decompression for Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition that can cause pain, sensory disturbances, and motor deficits due to the compression of neural structures in the cervical spine. While conservative treatments such as physical therapy and pain management can help some patients, others with persistent neurological deficits may require surgical intervention. Traditional surgical approaches, including anterior decompression and posterior open surgery, have proven effective but carry risks such as vascular or nerve injuries and postoperative pain. This study evaluates a minimally invasive surgical approach called Posterior Uniportal Endoscopic Cervical Decompression as an alternative to traditional methods for patients with cervical spinal stenosis. The main objective is to assess changes in neurological deficits and disability related to cervical pain following this procedure. The study will also document hospitalization duration, surgical time, blood loss, and the incidence of postoperative complications. This multicenter, prospective case series will recruit 50 patients from three medical centers in Mexico. Participants must have symptomatic cervical spinal stenosis that persists despite at least three months of conservative treatment. Eligible patients will undergo Posterior Uniportal Endoscopic Cervical Decompression, a technique that allows precise nerve decompression through a small incision, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Standardized clinical assessment tools, including the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, will be used to evaluate outcomes at multiple time points over 12 months. By comparing patients' preoperative and postoperative evaluations, the study aims to determine whether Posterior Uniportal Endoscopic Cervical Decompression effectively improves neurological function and reduces disability while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Findings from this study could support the adoption of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques as a viable option for treating cervical spinal stenosis, potentially leading to faster recovery times and reduced surgical complications compared to traditional methods.

Assessing Safety of Cervical Spine Fusion With NMP®

The goal of this retrospective chart review study is to assess safety of NMP® in the treatment of cervical spine degenerative conditions by assessing the incidence and nature of AEs in follow-up (minimum of 90 days and up to 2 year post-operatively) as well as reoperation rates.