Comparing two bone graft methods for neck fusion surgery

Plain-English translation of NCT04388332 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated September 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is comparing two different approaches to neck fusion surgery for people with degenerative disc disease (wear and tear of the discs in the neck). Half of the study will look back at patients who had surgery using a traditional bone graft method, while the other half will include new patients receiving surgery with Tritanium C, a newer bone graft material. The goal is to understand which approach helps patients heal better and experience less pain and disability.

Degenerative disc disease in the neck can cause pain and disability, and fusion surgery is a common treatment. Doctors want to know whether the newer Tritanium C material leads to better healing and outcomes compared to the traditional bone graft approach that has been used for many years.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in one or two levels of your neck
you have tried non-surgical treatments (like injections, physical therapy, or oral steroids) for at least six weeks without adequate relief
you are scheduled to undergo or have undergone one or two level neck fusion surgery
you are willing to attend follow-up appointments at 6 and 12 months after surgery

You likely don't qualify if…

you have an active infection anywhere in your body or at the surgical site
you have significant bone loss, osteoporosis, or other bone disorders that affect healing
you currently smoke or are not willing to quit smoking
you have a BMI of 40 or higher
you have a psychiatric condition or substance abuse issue that could interfere with your ability to participate in the study

What participation looks like

If you join the prospective (new patient) group, you will receive neck fusion surgery using Tritanium C as part of your standard care and then return for follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months, where your surgeon will assess your healing through physical exams and imaging scans. If you are in the retrospective group, researchers will review your past surgery records and imaging from previous visits you already completed. Either way, the study lasts up to one year and involves standard post-operative care visits.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 11, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania