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LimiFlex Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis With Spinal Stenosis

Sponsor
Empirical Spine, Inc. (Industry)
Overall Status
Active, not recruiting
CT.gov ID
NCT03115983
Collaborator
Biomedical Statistical Consulting (Other), Medical Metrics Diagnostics, Inc (Industry), MCRA, LLC (Industry)
315
Enrollment
28
Locations
2
Arms
95.5
Anticipated Duration (Months)
11.3
Patients Per Site
0.1
Patients Per Site Per Month

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

The LimiFlex™ Clinical Trial is a prospective, concurrently controlled, multi-center study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of decompression and stabilization with the Empirical Spine LimiFlex™ Paraspinous Tension Band compared to decompression and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with concomitant posterolateral fusion (PLF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (Grade I per Meyerding classification) with spinal stenosis. Clinical trial sites will enroll solely LimiFlex subjects or solely TLIF/PLF subjects.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
  • Device: LimiFlex
  • Device: Fusion Instrumentation
  • Procedure: Decompression
  • Procedure: Fusion
 N/A

Detailed Description

The LimiFlex™ Paraspinous Tension Band is a new stabilization option for patients being treated with surgical decompression for degenerative spondylolisthesis. The LimiFlex does not require pedicle screws to anchor to the spine; instead, two dynamic rods are attached to pedicle-sparing straps which encircle adjacent spinous processes.

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
315 participants
Allocation:
Non-Randomized
Intervention Model:
Parallel Assignment
Intervention Model Description:
This is a multi-center, prospective, concurrently controlled, non-blinded study. Balance between groups will be achieved through sub classification using propensity scores. Prospective patient sample supplemented with retrospective and/or historical control subjects.This is a multi-center, prospective, concurrently controlled, non-blinded study. Balance between groups will be achieved through sub classification using propensity scores. Prospective patient sample supplemented with retrospective and/or historical control subjects.
Masking:
None (Open Label)
Primary Purpose:
Treatment
Official Title:
A Concurrently Controlled Study of the LimiFlex™ Paraspinous Tension Band in the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis With Spinal Stenosis
Actual Study Start Date :
Jul 17, 2017
Anticipated Primary Completion Date :
Sep 1, 2022
Anticipated Study Completion Date :
Jul 1, 2025

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Experimental: LimiFlex

Posterior dynamic stabilization with the LimiFlex Paraspinous Tension Band

Device: LimiFlex
LimiFlex implantation at a single level after surgical decompression.
Other Names:
  • LimiFlex Paraspinous Tension Band

    • Procedure: Decompression
    Surgical decompression at one or two contiguous levels from L1 to S1.
    Active Comparator: Fusion

    Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with concomitant posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation

    Device: Fusion Instrumentation
    Titanium alloy top-loading, polyaxial pedicle screws and cylindrical, titanium alloy rod instrumentation using autograft and/or allograft bone (i.e., cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone only), and/or a synthetic bone graft extender that is on-label for these indications (i.e., decorticated posterolateral gutter only). The TLIF requires a single PEEK or Titanium TLIF cage cleared by FDA for this indication filled with autograft and/or allograft bone (i.e., cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone only).

    Procedure: Decompression
    Surgical decompression at one or two contiguous levels from L1 to S1.

    Procedure: Fusion
    Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with concomitant posterolateral fusion (PLF) at a single level after surgical decompression.

    Outcome Measures

    Primary Outcome Measures

    1. Composite Clinical Success [24 Months]

      Individual success for patients in the investigational LimiFlex or control fusion arm is assessed with Composite Clinical Success (CCS) criteria. To be considered a success, a subject must demonstrate all of the following: 15 point improvement in Oswestry Disability Index (100 point scale) Absence of a new or worsening, persistent neurological deficit Absence of additional surgical intervention Absence of device integrity failures

    Secondary Outcome Measures

    1. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

    2. Neurological Status [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Neurological Status

    3. Additional surgical interventions [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Additional surgical interventions

    4. Absence of device integrity failures defined as device breakage, device separation or disassembly, or device dislocation [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Absence of device integrity failures defined as device breakage, device separation or disassembly, or device dislocation

    5. Estimated blood loss [Procedure]

      estimated blood loss and units of blood transfused

    6. Length of procedure [Procedure]

      Length of procedure (skin to skin)

    7. Hospital stay [Immediately upon discharge]

      Hospital stay

    8. Return to normal activities of daily living [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Length of time for subject to return to his/her normal activities of daily living.

    9. Work status [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Work status and days to return to work (as appropriate)

    10. Pain medication including narcotics usage [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Medication use for pain, including narcotic, usage

    11. Visual analog scale (VAS) leg pain [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Leg pain as measured on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    12. Visual analog scale (VAS) back pain [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Back pain as measured on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    13. Zurich claudication questionnaire (ZCQ) [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Zurich claudication questionnaire

    14. SF-12 Quality of Life survey [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      SF-12 Health Survey

    15. Patient satisfaction [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Patient satisfaction questionnaire

    16. Radiographic fusion status [Both groups: 6 wks, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo]

      Radiographic fusion status

    Eligibility Criteria

    Criteria

    Ages Eligible for Study:
    25 Years to 80 Years
    Sexes Eligible for Study:
    All
    Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
    No

    Inclusion Criteria (patients must meet ALL of the following criteria to be eligible for participation in the study):

    1. Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (Grade I per Meyerding classification), at one level from L1 to S1, with radiographic confirmation using X-ray;
    1. Grade I spondylolisthesis per Meyerding classification includes up to 25% anterior translation of a vertebra relative to the superior endplate of the subjacent vertebra at the index level. A patient is considered to have spondylolisthesis with a minimum 10% anterolisthesis at the affected level in a lateral x-ray image.
    1. Lumbar spinal stenosis requiring decompression at up to two contiguous levels from L1 to S1, inclusive of the level diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis, and confirmed radiographically using CT or MRI;
    1. At the index level, lumbar spinal stenosis is at least moderate lumbar canal stenosis, defined as more than 25% reduction of the cross-sectional area compared with the next adjacent normal level, with nerve root crowding compared with the normal level, as determined by the investigator on CT Scan or MRI.

    1. Neurogenic claudication or radiculopathy symptoms including leg pain, muscle weakness, and/or sensation abnormality, with or without back pain as evidenced by patient history;

    2. Persistent symptoms despite at least 3 months of conservative treatment that may include but is not limited to physical therapy, medications, and/or epidural injections;

    3. A pre-operative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) leg pain score of ≥50 on a 100 mm scale;

    • Leg pain includes hip and/or buttock pain on the same side

    1. A pre-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score ≥35 points on a 100-point scale;

    2. Candidate for surgical decompression at a single level or two contiguous levels, with stabilization at only one level between L1-S1;

    3. Posterior element anatomy is appropriate for interspinous fixation including prediction of presence of spinous processes of segment to be instrumented following decompression (investigational AND control groups) and a prediction of >50% of facet joints present following decompression (investigational group only);

    4. ≥25-80 years of age and skeletally mature;

    5. Patient has the necessary mental capacity to participate and is willing and able to participate in the study for the duration of the study follow-up and is able to comply with study requirements; and

    6. Patient is willing to provide Informed Consent for study participation.

    Exclusion Criteria:

    1. A primary and predominate diagnosis of discogenic back pain;

    2. A primary and predominate diagnosis of facet-mediated back pain;

    3. Back or non-radicular leg pain of unknown etiology;

    4. Significant peripheral vascular disease causing vascular claudication;

    5. Significant peripheral neuropathy caused by conditions other than spinal stenosis;

    6. History of fixed or permanent neurological deficit related to spinal cord injury;

    7. History of any previous surgery* at any level in the lumbosacral spine except for a discectomy or decompression;

    8. History of any previous surgery* at the level planned for treatment;

    • previous surgery includes spinal stimulator placement but does NOT include epidural injections, rhizotomy or nerve ablation.

    1. Isthmic spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis (pars fracture) at any level in the lumbar spine;

    2. Clinically significant compromise of vertebrae at L1 to S1 levels due to osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture or any traumatic, neoplastic, metabolic or infectious pathology or congenital abnormality;

    3. Spinous process fracture(s) or other posterior element fracture(s) of the segment to be instrumented that would preclude secure fixation of the LimiFlex Device to the spinous process;

    4. Spinous process insufficiency or deformity that would preclude secure fixation of the LimiFlex Device to the spinous process including spinous process length <10 mm from lamina to dorsal tip or other significant deformity due to trauma, or congenital abnormality such as spina bifida occulta at the planned instrumented level that would preclude secure fixation of the LimiFlex Device to the spinous process;

    5. The estimated distance between the LimiFlex Device strap attachment points (midpoint of the cranial edge of the cranial spinous process and the midpoint of the caudal edge of the caudal spinous process) is <30mm on pre-operative lateral standing radiographs at the segment to be instrumented;

    6. Degenerative lumbar scoliosis with a Cobb angle >10° at the affected motion segment;

    7. Symptomatic lumbar stenosis that is not amenable to a direct decompression

    8. Anklyosed motion segment at the target operative level

    9. Severe osteoporosis, defined as history of fragility fracture and DXA T-score <-2.5 or QCT T-score <80mg/cubic cm. History of a fragility fracture requires that a DXA scan or QCT scan is completed;

    10. Planned hip or knee replacement surgery, severe osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal pathology of the hip or leg that could preclude reliable patient self reporting assessment scales and/or that would likely progress to surgery during study period;

    11. Documented allergy to titanium or polyethylene;

    12. Active local or systemic infection;

    13. Receiving immunosuppressive or long-term steroid therapy;

    14. Known history of bone metabolic disorder, including Paget's disease, hyperparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, and osteomalacia;

    15. Disease or condition that would preclude accurate clinical evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of the study treatment or any significant medical conditions which would place the patient at excessive risk for surgery, such as:

    16. severe rheumatoid arthritis or other severe autoimmune disease

    17. active hepatitis (viral or serum) or HIV positive

    18. unstable cardiac disease

    19. uncontrolled diabetes

    20. renal failure

    21. severe muscular, neural or vascular diseases that endanger the spinal column

    22. cauda equina syndrome

    23. severe neurologic disorders including paralysis

    24. Morbid obesity defined as BMI >40;

    25. Active malignancy or history of metastatic malignancy within the last five years;

    26. Women who are pregnant or are interested in becoming pregnant within the study period;

    27. Currently seeking or receiving worker's compensation for back pain or spinal condition;

    28. Currently involved in spinal litigation that potentially is associated with secondary financial gain;

    29. Current involvement in a study of another investigational product for similar purpose;

    30. Demonstrates three or more Waddell's Signs of Inorganic Behavior;

    31. Active treatment of a major psychiatric condition, such as major depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorder, that could prevent accurate completion of self reporting assessment scales;

    32. Current history (within 12 months) of substance abuse, including alcohol abuse; or

    33. A prisoner.

    Contacts and Locations

    Locations

    Site City State Country Postal Code
    1 Sonoran Spine Research and Education Foundation Tempe Arizona United States 85281
    2 Kaiser Permanente Division of Research Oakland California United States 94611
    3 Stanford University Medical Center Redwood City California United States 94063
    4 UC Davis Spine Center Sacramento California United States 95816
    5 Kaiser Permanente Roseville Clinical Trials Program Sacramento California United States 95825
    6 UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery San Francisco California United States 94143
    7 Kaiser Permanente (San Jose Medical Center) San Jose California United States 95119
    8 The Spine Institute, Center for Spinal Restoration and Foundation for Spinal Restoration Santa Monica California United States 90403
    9 Boulder Neurological & Spine Associates Boulder Colorado United States 80303
    10 University of Miami, Dept of Neurological Surgery Miami Florida United States 33136
    11 BioSpine Tampa Florida United States 33607
    12 Emory University Atlanta Georgia United States 30329
    13 Rush University Chicago Illinois United States 60612
    14 Indiana Spine Group Carmel Indiana United States 46032
    15 Norton Leatherman Spine Center Louisville Kentucky United States 40202
    16 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston Massachusetts United States 02215
    17 University of Massachusetts, Dept of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation Worcester Massachusetts United States 01605
    18 Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak Michigan United States 48073
    19 Michigan Head and Spine Institute Royal Oak Michigan United States 48073
    20 Washington University School of Medicine Saint Louis Missouri United States 63110
    21 UHS Neurosurgery (Binghamton) Binghamton New York United States 13760
    22 Hospital for Special Surgery New York New York United States 10022
    23 SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse New York United States 13057
    24 The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio United States 43210
    25 University of Pennsylvania Hospital Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States 19106
    26 Texas Back Institue, Clincal Research, LLC-Plano Plano Texas United States 75093
    27 University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery Charlottesville Virginia United States 22908
    28 Swedish Medical Center Seattle Washington United States 98122

    Sponsors and Collaborators

    • Empirical Spine, Inc.
    • Biomedical Statistical Consulting
    • Medical Metrics Diagnostics, Inc
    • MCRA, LLC

    Investigators

    • Principal Investigator: Rick Sasso, MD, Indiana Spine Group
    • Principal Investigator: William C Welch, MD, Pennsylvania Hospital Neurosurgery

    Study Documents (Full-Text)

    None provided.

    More Information

    Publications

    None provided.
    Responsible Party:
    Empirical Spine, Inc.
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT03115983
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • LSS17001
    First Posted:
    Apr 14, 2017
    Last Update Posted:
    May 6, 2022
    Last Verified:
    May 1, 2022
    Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:
    No
    Plan to Share IPD:
    No
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product:
    No
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product:
    Yes
    Additional relevant MeSH terms:
    Spinal Stenosis
    Spondylolisthesis
    Constriction, Pathologic

    Study Results

    No Results Posted as of May 6, 2022