Comparing Surgical Decompression Versus Conservative Treatment in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome (TCCS) was until recent recognized as a separate clinical entity. The most characteristic feature is the disproportionate more motor impairment of the arms and especially the hands than the legs, bladder dysfunction and sensory. Recently, it has been shown that the distinction of TCCS with an incomplete cervical spinal cord lesion (ICSCL) is artificial. It is the most frequent incomplete traumatic spinal cord lesion. It accounts for up to 70 % of all incomplete cervical spinal cord lesions. The exact incidence is not known. Uncertainty about the treatment exists. A good recovery has been described after conservative treatment. Conservative treatment was usually considered when a fracture or dislocation of the spine were absent. It is often seen in hyperextension trauma in the elderly with degenerative spondylotic stenotic cervical spine. However, some reports suggest a better outcome after surgical decompression. Randomized trials have not been performed. To avoid discussion about possible confounding or effect modification related to the mechanism of trauma, this study will focus on ICSCL in patients without fracture or instability of the cervical spine on radiological examination. Also the problem of crossover from the conservative group to the surgical one due to the nature of spinal instability will be reduced. Goal of the study: To compare the efficacy of early decompressive surgery to improve functional outcome in patients with ICSCL without a fracture or instability of the cervical spine compared to those receiving conservative treatment. Definition of ICSCL in this study: ICSCL is an incomplete spinal cord lesion due to a cervical spine trauma. At CT scanning with reconstruction and at MRI signs are not seen that could indicate a fracture of the cervical spine or instability. An overt sequestrated herniated disc should not be present since this will always necessitate immediate surgery. Involvement of the cervical spinal cord should be established at physical examination (symptomatic arm or hand dysfunction is obligatory).

Detailed Description
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See Above. Further information in this registration ( Randomized controlled trial (RCT), sample size etc)

Official Title
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COSMIC: Conservative or Early Surgical Management of Incomplete Cervical Cord Syndrome Without Spinal Instability. Randomized Controlled Trial

Conditions
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Central Spinal Cord Syndrome

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Surgical decompression
* Procedure: Conservative treatment


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: - all patients with a history of a traumatic event to the cervical spine fulfilling the criteria of incomplete cervical spinal cord lesion. - Exclusion Criteria: cognitive impairments a preexistent neurologic deficit of arms and/or legs psychiatric illness significant comorbidity interfering with the indication to perform surgery or not use of anticoagulating drugs addiction to drugs or alcohol (more than five units daily) not speaking Dutch language fluently not willing to participate participating in another trial

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: surgical decompression<br>surgical decompression within 24 hours post-injury | Procedure: Surgical decompression<br>* Surgical decompression within 24 hour postinjury<br>|
| Active Comparator: Conservative treatment<br>Normal conservative treatment without surgical intervention | Procedure: Conservative treatment<br>* Usual conservative treatment without surgery<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dutch translation of mJOA | functional outcome at two years measured by Dutch translation of mJOA | two years post-injury | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DASH | arm/hand function assessed by the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH) | two years post-injury | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Surgical decompression, conservative treatment, incomplete spinal cord lesion, recovery