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Research
Current Proposed Research Projects
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This is a pilot page for illustrative purposes included for BritSpine 2018
The final form this page and content will take and criteria for inclusion are under consideration.
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Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome
Description:
A prospective observational study of all patients managed in UK spinal units with clinical and radiological cauda equina syndrome (CES).
Study Aims:
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to describe the presentation, investigation, management, and outcomes of patients with CES
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to describe the timing and type of investigation and management of CES
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to describe patient pathways and service usage of patients with CES
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to stratify outcomes by presentation and management
Participants will be identified through emergency admissions to spinal units by trainees supported by the British Neurosurgical Trainee Research Collaborative (BNTRC) and the British Orthopaedic Trainees Association (BOTA). Both clinician and patient reported data and outcome measures will be analysed. Please contact us to find out more or to participate.
Lead Person
Julie Woodfield, Neurosurgery Trainee, Edinburgh
Contact Details
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Epidural injections for sciatica -
Research collaboration opportunity
Research project: Clinical and cost-effectiveness of transforaminal epidural injections versus ultrasound guided caudal epidurals for sciatic pain due to disc herniation: a randomised controlled trial
PICO:
Population: Adult patients assessed in interface/secondary care spinal clinics, who have sciatica due to disc herniation confirmed on MRI, and offered a transforaminal epidural injection as part of their routine care.
Intervention: Transforaminal epidural injection. The steroid and anaesthetic combination and administration of the injections will be according to standard NHS processes and procedures, at each participating site.
Comparator: Ultrasound guided caudal epidural injection, using ultrasound to confirm needle placement. Obvious exceptions to ultrasound guided caudal epidurals will be far lateral disc, foraminal, and upper lumbar disc prolapses (L1/2, L2/3, L3/4).
Outcome: Primary outcome of leg pain intensity. Other outcomes will include disability, days lost from work, quality of life, and health care use (including numbers proceeding to further injection and/or surgery). Data about side effects and complications will also be collected.
Lead Person and Contact Details
If interested in potentially being involved, or helping to shape the study, please contact: Dr Kika Konstantinou - Spinal Specialist Physiotherapist - k.konstantinou@keele.ac.uk
FORVAD Trial
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Description:
RCT comparing Anterior cervical discectomy against posterior cervical foraminotomy for cervical radiculopathy, using neck disability index as the primary outcome measure but also looking at complications and cost
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NIHR funded, Sponsor is Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, delivered in association with the Leeds Clinical Trials Unit
Centre recruitment from now - Dec 2018. Patient recruitment starts September 2018. Trial open to recruit for 2 years then one further year of follow up before report towards the end of 2021.
Lead Person and Contact Details
Chief Investigator - Simon Thompson via Leeds CTU
Leeds CoI: Senthil Selvanathan
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PRESTO Trial
Description:
Feasibility study to design trial of surgery versus non-operative treatment for stable thoracolumbar fractures
Recruitment status:
Recruiting surgeons from all around the UK who treat TL fractures for qualitative feedback regarding future trial design
Recruiting patients at the current sites only.
Lead Person and Contact Details
Chief Investigator - Arun Ranganathan, Consultant Spine Surgeon at the Royal London via York CTU - arearoon@yahoo.com
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Leeds CoI: Almas Khan
Cardiff CoI: Sashin Ahuja
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