Treatment Trials

26 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions

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RECRUITING
Application of Virtual Reality in Post-Operative Recovery of a Pediatric Scoliosis Patient Population
Description

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of virtual reality on subjective post-operative pain, total inpatient narcotic administration, and mobilization with physical therapy in pediatric patients who have undergone surgical correction for idiopathic scoliosis.

RECRUITING
Propofol + Remifentanil vs. Propofol + Dexmedetomidine in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Having Spine Surgery
Description

Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis may need surgery to correct their scoliosis. General anesthesia is required for this surgery, and a multimodal analgesic regimen using combinations of opioid and non-opioid medications is the standard of care. The purpose of this study is to compare two combinations of total intravenous anesthetic medications in children with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis having posterior spinal fusion surgery. Participants in the study will be randomly selected to receive either Propofol and Remifentanil or Propofol and Dexmedetomidine as their total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). TIVA is favored over gas anesthesia because gas anesthesia can affect the neurological monitoring necessary for this surgery. The first combination (Propofol + Remifentanil) is the most common one used for this surgery at our institution, and the second combination (Propofol + Dexmedetomidine) is more commonly used in adult spine surgery. Though Dexmedetomidine is not approved for pediatric use by the FDA, it is widely used in pediatric patients for procedural sedation and surgical anesthesia in the US and worldwide. Both anesthetic combinations are used safely in adult and pediatric patients at our institution. Although remifentanil works fast and is an excellent pain medication during surgery, there are reports that it's use can cause increased pain sensitivity and greater need for narcotic pain medication after surgery. This phenomenon is known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia. The investigators hypothesize that avoiding the use of remifentanil in the TIVA by using dexmedetomidine could avoid OIH and thus result in superior postop pain control. Our study's primary goal is to measure the total opioid consumption on postoperative days (POD)# 0 and 1. Our secondary goals are to measure the pain scores on a visual analog scale (VAS) on POD# 0 and 1, measure the time it takes for participants to move their feet to command when surgery is done, and measure the time it takes for participants to be extubated when surgery is done. By comparing these measurements, the investigators hope to find out if there is any significant difference between the two TIVAs in terms of postop opioid requirements, pain scores, and time to wake up from anesthesia. The investigators hope that our study gives us more knowledge on how to better treat postoperative pain in children who have spine surgery to correct their

NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Postoperative Steroid Use in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and Neuromuscular Scoliosis Patients
Description

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to compare the immediate use of steroids after surgery for accelerated discharge in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and neuromuscular scoliosis after a posterior spinal fusion. The main question it aims to answer are: * What are the effects of using steroids immediately after surgery in decreasing opioid use and helping early mobilization(movement)? * Does post-operative steroid use affect the incidence of wound complications and are there any long-term impacts on scar formation? Participants will: * Fill out a Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) survey specifically for pain interference and physical activity observing health related quality of life at enrollment, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years * Have clinical photos of their incision at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years * Their photos will be assessed using the stony book scar evaluation scale * For treatment of their scoliosis, patients will undergo a posterior spinal fusion (PSF) per standard of care, however whether the participant receives or does not receive steroids is what the investigators are trying to understand. * Researchers will compare no immediate postoperative steroid (NS) to the group with immediate postoperative steroid (WS) group to see if there are changes in opioid use, wound complications, scar formation, and facilitation in early mobilization.

RECRUITING
Psychological Assessment of Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Surgical Management
Description

Working in partnership with Montefiore-Einstein's Department of Translational Psychiatry, the study team investigators have designed a prospective randomized clinical trial (2:1) study for 45 AIS patients (10-19 yrs.). This protocol includes a baseline assessment of mental health, pain, and function in AIS patients utilizing validated patient reported outcome measures. The investigators will implement and test a structured perioperative psychological intervention program, based on the Aim to Decrease Anxiety and Pain Treatment (ADAPT), which was developed based on evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocols for the management of pediatric pain and childhood anxiety disorders

UNKNOWN
The Effect Spinal Bracing System on Gait in Adult Scoliosis Patients
Description

Degenerative adult scoliosis (ADS) results from age related changes leading to segmental instability, deformity and stenosis. Patients with scoliosis demonstrate an altered gait pattern.Furthermore, scoliosis patients exert 30% more physical effort than healthy subjects to ensure habitual locomotion, and this additional effort requires a reciprocal increase of oxygen consumption. Bracing has been found to reduce pain within a short time in ADS patients. A new brace has recently become available, the Peak™ Scoliosis Brace (Aspen Medical Products), designed to alleviate pain in adult patients with chronic pain secondary to scoliosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of spinal bracing using Peak™ Scoliosis Brace on pain and lower extremities kinematics of gait.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Chewing Gum Facilitates an Earlier Return to Bowel Function in Pediatric Scoliosis Patients: A Prospective Randomized Study
Description

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of chewing gum on reducing post-operative ileus and reducing post-operative gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric patients undergoing surgical correction of scoliosis. This study would provide minimal risk to its study population, and has the opportunity to provide a benefit to patients undergoing scoliosis surgery. If shown to be effective, this could lead to changes and improvement of the post-operative course for pediatric scoliosis patients.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Genetic Evaluation of NF1 and Scoliosis Patients
Description

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a common genetic disorder that cause tumors to grow along various types of nerves and, in addition, can affect the development of bones and skin. It occurs in 1:4000 persons. NF has been classified into three distinct types: NF1, NF2 and Schwannomatosis. NF1 is the focus of this study. NF1 is an extremely variable disorder which ranges from extremely mild cases in which the only signs of the disorder in adulthood may be multiple café-au-lait spots and a few dermal neurofibromas, to more severe cases like disfigurement, scoliosis and learning disabilities. Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) is perhaps the most common bone deformity in NF1 which usually appears in early childhood. There are two types: dystrophic and non-dystrophic scoliosis. Dystrophic scoliosis is usually associated with other bone deformities which are seen on x-ray and carries a poorer prognosis than non dystrophic scoliosis. There is evidence that genes other than the NF1 gene are responsible for the variable severity of cases. Recent studies have identified genetic markers for another condition called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (scoliosis which presents in adolescent age group with no known cause). We believe that the same genetic markers may also be present in NF1 patients with scoliosis. Our objective is primarily to determine if the same genetic markers discovered in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are also present in NF1 patients with scoliosis.

COMPLETED
Anesthesia During Neurophysiologic Monitoring in Scoliosis Patients
Description

When patients have spinal surgery, electrodes are placed on the body to measure motor evoked potentials (MEP) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP). Many hospitals only use IV anesthesia because they feel that measuring MEP and SSEP is easier using IV anesthesia. At this hospital the investigators typically use inhaled anesthesia and are able to successfully measure MEP and SSEP. This is a study to find out if one method of anesthesia is better than the other for measuring MEP and SSEP.

NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Changes in Cerebral Oxygenation Related to Intraoperative Position Changes
Description

This is a prospective, observational study. This study will assess the effect of temporary changes in body position (supine, head of bed elevated 30 degrees, head of bed elevated 60 degrees) in anesthetized patients. Tissue oxygenation will be assessed non-invasively using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) by a device that is used in our operating rooms and the ICU setting to assess cerebral and tissue oxygenation.

NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Yoga for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Patients
Description

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is defined as a three-dimensional lateral deformity of the spine. It is described with a cobb angle of greater than 10 degrees. There is no known etiology of AIS. Once the degrees of curvature become severe (greater than 45 degrees), surgical intervention (posterior spinal fusion - PSF) is often discussed. Most adolescent patients and their families opt for surgical correction to decrease future complications of severe scoliosis, such as decreased vital capacity of the lungs, potential future activity restrictions, cosmetic appearance, and self-esteem. While the patient and family are eager to undergo PSF, they do have concerns. The major concerns are pain control and their ability to return to activities. In current literature, there are many studies completed regarding pharmacologic pain control management with the use of IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with opioids, narcotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, Tylenol, and gabapentin. However, there is not a well-established multimodal pain management plan for postoperative PSF patients. There is also no current literature discussing nonpharmacologic pain management methods, such as stretching, strengthening and yoga, for patients undergoing PSF. There are multiple studies discussing core stabilization used for helping AIS patients non-operatively. There is no literature discussing the use of nonpharmacologic pain management methods for improved pain control (including decreased use of pharmacologic agents) and quicker return to activities. The aim of this study is to determine if patients with AIS undergoing PSF require fewer pain medications and have an earlier return to activities if completing a yoga program six weeks prior to their surgery.

RECRUITING
Erector Spinae Plane Blockade in Pediatric Scoliosis Surgery Patients
Description

Providing effective analgesia after spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis remains a challenge with significant practice variation existing among high volume spine surgery centers. Even in the era of multimodal analgesia, opioids are the primary analgesics used for pain control after pediatric scoliosis surgery, but have multiple known adverse effects. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a newly described fascial plane block performed by injecting local anesthetic between the erector spinae muscle and the transverse process. Additionally, there are case reports describing the ESPB as part of a multi-modal analgesic plan in adult degenerative spine surgery as well as adult spinal deformity surgery, demonstrating effective analgesia and no clinical motor blockade. Although it is known that the inflammatory reaction plays a crucial role in the mechanism of acute pain after major surgery, the effectiveness of the current regional approach on inflammatory response is not well studied.

COMPLETED
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Patient Positioning in EOS System®
Description

The EOS® imaging system, a new imaging modality which offers low dose, weight bearing and full body X-ray imaging, requires a new standing position where patients put their hands and forearms on the wall vertically for stability. Although this method provides enough support for the patients during the extended X-ray acquisition time, its impact on the postural balance and sagittal profile of the spine and sacro-pelvic parameters has not been evaluated. The goal of this study is to identify the impact of patients' arm positioning on the sagittal profile and postural balance of the patient and subsequently propose a standardized method for full spine X-ray acquisition in the EOS® imaging system.

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Effect of Treatment on Activity and Muscle Function in Pediatric Patients With Scoliosis
Description

This study will explore the relationship between skeletal muscle and physical activity in scoliosis patients to provide insight into both the etiology of scoliosis and potential ways to mitigate the potential harms of treatment.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Stereophotogrammetry of the Torso in Healthy Individuals and Patients With Scoliosis, Chest Wall Deformations, or Obesity
Description

Background: - Stereophotogrammetry (SP) uses four sets of digital cameras to generate a three-dimensional computer image. Unlike other types of evaluations which require radiation, SP only uses computer images to learn more about physical deformities such as scoliosis or about the placement of fat on the body. To refine the SP process, researchers are interested in collecting images and body data from individuals with skeletal structural problems such as scoliosis or chest wall deformities, individuals who are overweight or obese, and healthy volunteers. Objectives: - To use stereophotogrammetry to study different individual body types and refine existing imaging techniques. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 2 years of age who have spine, rib, or chest wall deformities; are overweight or obese (body mass index greater than 25); or are healthy volunteers. Design: * Participants will be screened with a physical examination and medical history. The physical examination will include measurements of range of motion and joint mobility, torso width and length, and other observational data. * Healthy volunteers and participants in the obesity group will also have bioelectric spectroscopy (bioimpedance), which uses an additional machine to measure how fat is spread in different parts of the body. * After the physical examination has been completed, participants will have SP photographs taken. Participants will be asked to remove all clothing from the torso, stand with arms raised at the center of four cameras, and remain still while several images are taken. A complete image takes less than 1 second. * Participants with spine or rib deformities, or who are in the obesity group, may also volunteer to return for followup SP imaging, once a year for 5 years, to study progress over time.

RECRUITING
Virtual Reality's Effect on Decreasing Pain and Subsequent Opioid Use in Pediatric Patients in the Post-Operative Period Following Scoliosis Repair
Description

The goal of this study is to determine whether introducing VR in the immediate post-operative period following scoliosis repair can reduce perceived pain and stress in pediatric patients and in turn ultimately decrease opioid use. Based on previous studies that have been performed in other fields of pediatrics showing a decrease in pain and stress with VR use, the investigators hypothesize that VR will significantly decrease patient's reported level of pain and stress immediately following the VR session, and that patients will require less opioids during their inpatient stay as a result.

COMPLETED
Oral Caffeine Use for Pain Management in AIS Patients After Spinal Fusion
Description

Prospective, randomized control trial To determine if oral caffeine decreases the frequency of opioid demand in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after their spinal fusion surgery To compare pain scale ratings, number of requests for diazepam, average heart rate, average blood pressure, sex, age, ethnicity, post-op day of discharge, operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, remittance post-surgery, length of hospital stay, and segments fused during spinal fusion surgery.

RECRUITING
Prospective, Multicenter, Case-Control Analysis of the VersaTie Posterior Fixation System to Prevent Proximal Junctional Failure in Long Posterior Spinal Fusion Constructs for Adult Patients
Description

Prospective, Multicenter, Case-Control Analysis of the VersaTie Posterior Fixation System to Prevent Proximal Junctional Failure in Long Posterior Spinal Fusion Constructs for Adult Patients

COMPLETED
Goal-Directed Intraoperative Fluid Management Using FloTrac© Monitoring in High-Risk Neurosurgical Patients
Description

This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial to determine if using FloTrac/EV1000 system in neurosurgical patients undergoing craniotomies for aneurysm repair or tumor resection complicated by cerebral edema, or complex spinal surgery including multi-level scoliosis correction, is a more effective way of monitoring fluid.

COMPLETED
Perioperative Methadone Use to Decrease Opioid Requirement in Pediatric Spinal Fusion Patients
Description

Acute pain management following major surgical procedures in pediatric patients continues to be a challenge, especially after extensive posterior spine fusions. Spine surgery is particularly traumatic, initiating pain in both peripheral and central pathways. While the standard management of post-surgical pain involves a multimodal approach, opioids provide the predominant benefit. However, opioid use is associated with many adverse effects, including nausea, constipation, and pruritus. Perioperative methadone may decrease total opioid consumption and adverse effects as well as improve satisfaction with pain management after scoliosis repair.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Complementary Therapies in Spinal Fusion Patients
Description

In this pilot study, our central hypothesis is that two CAM modalities, hypnosis and healing touch as adjunct therapies to the standard of care, will improve analgesic use for post operative pain. In this pilot study the investigators will randomize 30 adolescents undergoing spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis to two test groups: Hypnosis with Pain Management Standard of Care for Post Op Pain, Healing Touch with Pain Management Standard of Care, and a control group (Pain Management Standard of Care only).

COMPLETED
A Trial Comparing Single Intra-op Dose of Methadone Versus Placebo in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery
Description

Scoliosis is a disease that involves lateral and/or rotational deformity of the spine and can affect up to 4% of the population. Typically, surgery is considered when Cobb's angle, which is a measurement used for evaluation of curves in scoliosis on an anterior-posterior radiographic projection of the spine, is greater than 50 degrees in the thoracic region (40 degrees in the lumbar region) or when the curvature causes significant pain, or respiratory and cardiovascular restriction. Patient undergoing this surgical correction experience severe pain in the postoperative period and the management includes the use of opioid-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).

COMPLETED
Comparison of Two Naloxone Infusion Rates on the Postoperative Recovery of Patients Undergoing Spine Fusion Surgery
Description

There will be two groups in this study: one group will be given the standard infusion of naloxone, a drug which helps reduce side effects from opioids needed after surgery, and the other group will receive a higher dose. The trial is designed to determine if a higher dose of naloxone infusion will reduce side effects from opioid therapy in patients who have undergone spine fusion for scoliosis.

COMPLETED
Intrathecal Morphine Versus Epidural Extended Release Morphine for Pediatric Patients Undergoing Spinal Fusion
Description

This study plans to learn more about preventing pain in children who are having posterior spinal fusion surgery using two different kinds of morphine (a pain medicine). Also, this study plans to learn about individual differences in the how the different kinds of morphine work in children. Subjects are being asked to be in this research study because they are having spinal fusion surgery, will have pain some of the time and will be getting morphine during and after surgery to help control their pain.

COMPLETED
Patient Outcomes Evaluation of the EBI Vuelock™ Anterior Cervical Plate System
Description

To prospectively collect radiographic and outcome data on patients who are having cervical spine fusion surgery with the VueLock™ Anterior Cervical Plate System

WITHDRAWN
Test-Retest Reliability of Pulmonary Function Tests in Patients With Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy
Description

Nearly all patients with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) have scoliosis. Posterior instrumented spinal fusion, which is a surgery to correct scoliosis, has been shown to improve quality of life and satisfaction of both parents and families. The progressive muscular weakness leads to the development of scoliosis soon after the child has become unable to walk. The muscular weakness and scoliosis also affect the pulmonary function of these children. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) have been used to determine "pulmonary fitness" prior to surgery as a way to determine how well or if the child will tolerate surgery. Children with poor results on the PFT are determined to be too fragile to tolerate such a large operation. The physicians conducting this study feel that the PFT may be inaccurate and that this may not be the best single test to determine "pulmonary fitness". The physicians conducting the study think things like the time of day the study is done, how tired you are when you complete the test, and how well you understand the test may affect the results of the test.

COMPLETED
A Real-Time Ultrasound Guided Approach For Spinal Anesthesia
Description

Our goal was to compare the number of attempts to perform spinal anesthesia using real-time ultrasound guidance versus landmark technique in patients meeting predefined criteria for difficult spinal anesthesia.