Current National Sub-study Collaboration Projects

Canadian Spine Outcomes and. Research Network (CSORN) sub-study: Surgical Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity
The objectives of this sub-study are to identify if significant regional variation occurs in the referral pattern and surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity patients in Canada, and to determine if specific variables independently predict:
- the clinical outcome of surgical intervention for adult spinal deformity
- adverse events associated with adult spinal deformity surgery
- the radiographic outcome of surgical intervention for adult spinal deformity
• Collaboration with Dr. Alex Soroceanu & CSORN registry

Canadian Spine Outcomes and. Research Network (CSORN) sub-study: Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
The objective of this sub-study is to perform cost-utility analysis for different surgical and non-surgical management strategies for CSM and to determine:
- the natural history of CSM patients selected for conservative management based on mild non progressive symptoms or patient preference not to undergo surgery
- the outcomes of patients decompressed anteriorly, posteriorly and with a combined anterior/posterior approach.
- differences in outcome for patients undergoing laminectomy and fusion (LF) versus laminoplasty (LP) for multi-level CSM based on a Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP)
• Collaboration with Dr. Nicholas Dea, Dr. Nathan Evaniew & CSORN registry

Canadian Spine Outcomes and. Research Network (CSORN) sub-study: Prediction of Neuropathic Pain Post Cervical Compressive Myelopathy Decompressive Surgery
The objective of this sub-study is to perform cost-utility analysis for different surgical and non-surgical management strategies for CSM and to determine:
- If the occurrence of neuropathic Pain Post Cervical Compressive Myelopathy Decompressive Surgery can be predicted preoperatively.
- the prevalence rate and effects of neuropathic pain on patients undergoing Cervical Compressive Myelopathy Decompressive Surgery

Canadian Spine Outcomes and. Research Network (CSORN) sub-study: Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMPS) Canadian Spine Society (CSS) Multicentre Prospective Cohort Study
The objective of this sub-study is to classify surgical techniques for the management of degenerative spondylolisthesis based on the stability of the pathology.
• Collaboration with Dr. Chris Bailey & CSORN registry

Canadian Spine Outcomes and. Research Network (CSORN) sub-study: Anterior vs Posterior Surgery for Lumbar Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Currently there is no consensus on the best surgical treatment of patients with symptomatic, isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS). Clinical equipoise exists amongst experienced clinicians on the various surgical techniques available. This study will involve multiple phases to answer specific research questions comparing anterior and posterior interbody fusion in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis.
• Collaboration with Dr. Charles Fisher, Dr. Charlotte Dandurand & CSORN registry

Canadian Spine Outcomes and. Research Network (CSORN) sub-study: Indirect Decompression in the Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: a Multicentre Prospective Matched Cohort Study
The primary objective of this study is to use two-year post-operative Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) data for change in leg pain from patients with one level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) with central stenosis requiring decompression and fusion to validate the clinical indications for the use of indirect decompression using anterior / oblique / lateral interbody fusion (AOLIF) compared to conventional posterior open decompression and fusion (PLDF) with and without interbody fusion.
• Collaboration with Dr. Phillip Phan & CSORN registry

Canadian Spine Outcomes and. Research Network (CSORN) sub-study: Pediatric Spine Sub Study: PERFORM
The objective of this sub-study is to:
- prospectively enrol pediatric patients with spinal pathology requiring surgical treatment. The Canadian Pediatric Spine Society Sub-Study PERFORM (Pediatric Registry for Spine Outcomes and Research Metrics).
- track specific outcome measures of different surgical techniques. Data collection will be comprised primarily of pediatric participant and physician reported outcomes.
• Collaboration with Dr. Michael Johnson & CSORN registry

Canadian Spine Outcomes and. Research Network (CSORN) sub-study: Multi-Level Decompression/Fusions are as Effective as Single Level Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Operations
The objective of this Sub-study is to determine if an increase in the number of segments fused in thoracolumbar spinal fusion surgeries effects intraoperative and long-term patient outcomes.
• Collaboration with Dr. Henry Ahn & CSORN registry

Praxis sub-study: Conus medullaris recovery in motor strength, bowel and bladder function.
The objective of this Sub-study is to
- Examine factors association with neurological improvements and the recovery of the bowel and bladder sphincters in patients with Conus Medullaris Injury using the Canadian Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry (RHSCIR) from Praxis Spine Institute.
- Determine incidence and causes of conus medullaris injuries in a Canadian population