NCT06368245 · AO Foundation, AO Spine
Durability of Suppl. Rod Constructs-SuppleMentAry Rod Technique for Long-segment Posterior Instrumented Spinal Fusions
What this study is about
This is a conducted at multiple hospitals reviewing past data comparative group of participants study. The index surgery for this study is primary or revision long-segment posterior thoracolumbar (TL) instrumented fusion using either a supplementary rod construct or a dual-rod construct.
View original scientific description
This is a multicenter retrospective comparative cohort study. The index surgery for this study is primary or revision long-segment posterior thoracolumbar (TL) instrumented fusion using either a supplementary rod construct or a dual-rod construct. Eligible patients who already had index surgery, will be identified for enrollment through a review of medical records of the participating surgeons at the study sites.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 45 years and older.
- Patients receiving long-segment posterior TL instrumented fusion using either supplementary rod constructs or dual-rod constructs (the index surgery).
- Long-segment is defined as the UIV at a thoracic level and the LIV at the sacrum/ilium.
- Supplementary rod constructs are defined as: in addition to the traditional two primary rods, at least one supplementary rod (eg, accessory rods or satellite rods) is used, and at least one supplementary rod and one primary rod (ie, at least two rods) together must span multiple (≥ 2) vertebral levels. The supplementary rod constructs do not include rods connected end-to-end or side-to-side that do not bridge multiple vertebral levels.
- The index surgery can be a primary surgery or a revision surgery.
- The index surgery, staged or non-staged, must use posterior spinal fusion but can be in combination with other approaches such as an anterior procedure.
- If the index surgery is a revision surgery, the primary rods must be replaced in the revision surgery, with the exception of Harrington or Luque rods which can remain in place. o If the Harrington or Luque rods remain in situ, they must already have the UIV at the thoracic level and the LIV at the sacrum/ilium, or an extension of the existing Harrington or Luque is performed such that the UIV is at the thoracic level and the LIV at the sacrum/ilium.
- The index surgery was performed between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2020, inclusive.
- Minimum 3 months of FU after the index surgery.
- Ability to provide informed consent according to the IRB/EC defined and approved procedures if applicable for retrospective data analysis.
Exclusion criteria
- Spinal fusion performed for acute trauma (ie, ≤ 1 year of trauma).
- Spinal fusion performed for tumor.
- Spinal fusion performed for infection.
- Patients with Parkinson's Disease.
- Patients with neuromuscular disorders.
- Patients with spine malignancies requiring chemo- or radiation therapy.
Where
- Redwood City, California
- Sacramento, California
- San Francisco, California
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- St Louis, Missouri
- New York, New York
- Charlottesville, Virginia
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 30, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations