NCT07860697 Association of Subcutaneous Fat Index, Paraspinal Muscle Characteristics, and Facet Morphology With Lumbar Facet Joint Degeneration
| NCT ID | NCT07860697 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Marmara University |
| Condition | Chronic Low Back Pain |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 300 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-09-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-06-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 300 participants in total. It began in 2026-09-01 with a primary completion date of 2027-06-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
This prospective observational study aims to investigate the association between subcutaneous fat index, paraspinal muscle characteristics, facet morphology, and lumbar facet joint degeneration in adults with chronic low back pain. The study will use lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained as part of routine clinical care. The study will evaluate whether subcutaneous fat index is associated with moderate-to-severe lumbar facet joint degeneration and will also examine the relationships of disc degeneration, facet morphology, paraspinal muscle characteristics, and pain severity with facet joint degeneration.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-75 years. 2. Low back pain lasting for at least 3 months. 3. Evaluation at the Algology outpatient clinic. 4. Lumbar MRI has been clinically indicated as part of routine patient management independently of the study. 5. Lumbar MRI images including sagittal T1-weighted, sagittal T2-weighted, and axial T2-weighted images covering the L1-L2 through L5-S1 levels. 6. Height and body weight can be measured. 7. Low back pain severity can be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). 8. Sufficient cognitive and linguistic capacity to complete the Oswestry Disability Index. 9. Ability to understand the study and provide informed consent. 10. Written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Previous lumbar spine surgery or lumbar fusion. 2. Acute vertebral fracture or significant lumbar trauma. 3. Spinal malignancy or vertebral metastasis. 4. Spondylodiscitis or other spinal infections. 5. Inflammatory spondyloarthritis. 6. Advanced lumbar scoliosis. 7. Severe congenital lumbar vertebral anomaly. 8. Anatomic variation preventing reliable identification of vertebral levels. 9. Pregnancy. 10. Inability to complete the MRI examination. 11. MRI images inadequate for assessment of subcutaneous fat, intervertebral discs, facet joints, or paraspinal muscles. 12. Missing clinical data or required outcome measures. 13. Failure to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: \-
Contact & Investigator
OSMAN H GÜNDÜZ
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Marmara University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07860697 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 75 Years, studying Chronic Low Back Pain. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07860697 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07860697 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at serhatkose03@gmail.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07860697 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye).
Who is sponsoring the NCT07860697 clinical trial?
NCT07860697 is sponsored by Marmara University. The principal investigator is OSMAN H GÜNDÜZ at Marmara University. The trial plans to enroll 300 participants.