RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Nerve Composition of Human Lumbar Dorsal Primary Rami and Its Medial Branch

This study is looking at the small nerves connected to the facet joints in your lower back. These joints can sometimes be a source of back pain. Researchers want to understand exactly what these nerves are made of. To do this, they will gently take tiny samples of these nerves from patients who are already having spinal surgery for other reasons. These samples will then be looked at very closely under a microscope to learn more about their structure. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how these nerves work, which could eventually help improve treatments for people with low back pain caused by these joints.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

08 Mar 2022

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2024

Lumbar Facet Arthrosis Nerve Degeneration

What is this study about?

Imagine your spine is like a stack of building blocks, and between each block are small joints called facet joints. Sometimes these joints get worn down, which can lead to back pain. There are tiny nerves that send pain signals from these joints to your brain.

This study is trying to get a clearer picture of what these small nerves, called lumbar dorsal rami and their medial branches, are actually made of. By understanding their structure better, scientists hope to learn more about how they carry pain messages. This knowledge could be really important because it might lead to new or better ways to treat chronic low back pain in the future.

To do this, researchers will carefully collect tiny pieces of these specific nerves during spinal surgery that you are already having. These small nerve samples will then be prepared and looked at under a special microscope. They will examine things like the size of the nerve and what materials surround it. This is a very detailed study to help us better understand the cause of some types of back pain.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand nerves involved in back pain.
Small nerve samples are collected during planned spinal surgery.
It helps uncover causes of low back pain from facet joints.
No extra procedures or risks for patients.
Participation could improve future back pain treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or older and be scheduled to have spinal surgery for your lower back. It's also very important that you are able to clearly understand what the study involves and give your full permission to take part.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are under 18 or if you can't fully understand and agree to participate. You also can't join if you've had spinal surgery before, or a specific treatment called radiofrequency ablation for your back pain. If you currently have COVID-19 or any symptoms of it, you also wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you scheduled for spinal surgery on your lower back?
Can you fully understand and agree to take part in a study?
Have you NOT had previous spinal surgery or a specific back pain treatment (RF ablation)?
Do you NOT currently have COVID-19 or symptoms?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it won't change your planned spinal surgery in any way. The researchers will simply collect very small samples of specific nerves from your lower back during your existing surgery. This collection will happen while you are already in surgery. No extra visits or procedures will be needed from you. Your involvement in the study finishes when the samples are collected; there is no follow-up period or extra medication involved. The total duration of your personal involvement is limited to the time of your scheduled surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct benefits to you for taking part in this study, as the nerve samples are collected during surgery you are already having. However, your contribution will help scientists learn more about complex back pain, which could benefit others in the future. There are no additional risks beyond those already associated with your planned spinal surgery, as the samples are taken from an area already exposed during your operation. You are free to decide not to participate or to withdraw your consent at any time, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Woodend Hospital
Verified postcode
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'facet joint'?

Facet joints are small joints at the back of your spine that help connect your vertebrae and allow your back to bend and twist.

Will taking these nerve samples affect my health?

No, specialists will carefully collect tiny nerve samples from areas that are already exposed during your planned spinal surgery, and it will not affect your health or recovery.

What will happen to the nerve samples?

The samples will be prepared and looked at under a microscope to understand what they are made of. This helps researchers learn more about back pain.

Do I have to do anything extra if I join?

No, your participation simply means the researchers can collect tiny nerve samples during your surgery. There are no extra appointments or procedures for you.

Who is funding this study?

The study document does not specify the funding source. This information is usually provided by the research team if you ask them.

How to find out more

Saravanakumar Kanakarajan, MD FRCA

saravanakumark@abdn.ac.uk 00 44 1224 553237 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.