Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The European Robotic Spinal Instrumentation (EUROSPIN) Study

The EUROSPIN study is looking at the best ways to insert screws into the spine during surgery for certain back problems. These problems can include ongoing back pain from wear and tear, slipped discs, or spinal infections or tumours. Doctors are comparing three different methods: traditional surgery where the surgeon guides the screws by hand; surgery using special computer navigation to help guide the tools; and surgery using robotic assistance for very precise placement. The aim is to gather information from hospitals across different countries to understand how safe and effective each method is for patients, from before their operation until some time afterwards.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Marc Schröder

Enrolment target

932

Start

01 Jan 2019

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Degenerative Disc Disease Spondylolisthesis Spinal Stenosis Recurrent Disc Herniation Spondylodiskitis Spinal Tumor Spinal Metastases

Results

Results from this study

Posted March 2026

Results have been published for this study.

Primary outcome

Revision Surgery for a Malpositioned Pedicle Screw

We defined the primary endpoint as required revision surgery for a malpositioned or loosened pedicle screw within the first postoperative year.

Full results on the registry

What is this study about?

This study, called EUROSPIN, is all about improving spinal surgery, particularly when surgeons need to place small screws into your backbone. These screws are used to help stabilise the spine when you have conditions like ongoing back pain due to a worn disc, a slipped disc (spondylolisthesis), a narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), or if you've had a disc problem come back. It also includes spinal infections or tumours that affect the bones in your back.

In the past, surgeons mainly did these operations by hand, sometimes called the 'freehand' method. However, over the last few years, new technologies have become available. These include advanced computer systems that help guide the surgeon (called 'navigation') and even robotic systems that can help place the screws very precisely. This study is collecting detailed information from many patients to see how these different methods compare in terms of safety, how well patients recover, and their comfort both during and after the operation.

Researchers want to understand if these newer robotic and navigation systems offer clear benefits over traditional surgery, such as less blood loss, a shorter stay in the hospital, and a quicker return to normal life. By comparing all three approaches – freehand, computer-navigated, and robot-guided – they hope to find the safest and most effective ways to help patients needing this type of spinal surgery.

Key takeaways

Compares traditional, computer-guided, and robot-assisted spinal surgery.
Aims to find the safest and most effective way to place screws in the spine.
For conditions like chronic back pain from disc problems, slipped discs, or spinal infections/tumours.
Involves collecting detailed information about your surgery and recovery.
You must be 18 or over and having thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You'd be considered if your doctor plans to insert screws into your spine in the lower or mid-back area for problems like back pain from disc wear, a slipped disc, a narrowed spinal canal, or if you have a recurring disc issue. It also includes cases of spinal infections, tumours, or certain fractures.

Before you can join, you'd need to understand the study and agree to take part by signing a consent form. This ensures you're fully informed about what's involved.

However, if you're having surgery to correct a major spinal curve (like scoliosis, often called 'deformity surgery'), or if your surgery involves placing screws at five or more different levels of your spine, you wouldn't be able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Is your doctor planning to insert screws into your lower or mid-back?
Is your surgery for conditions like ongoing back pain, a slipped disc, spinal narrowing, a recurring disc problem, an infection, or a tumour?
Are you not having major spinal curve correction (deformity surgery)?
Will your surgery involve placing screws at fewer than five levels of your spine?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need to do anything significantly different from what you would normally do for your spinal surgery. The main difference is that the study team will collect more detailed information about your health, your operation, and how you recover. This includes information from before your surgery, during the operation itself, in the days immediately after, and at follow-up appointments.

You would attend your standard hospital appointments, and the doctors will simply keep very thorough records. There are no extra medications or procedures you would need to have. The total duration of your involvement would depend on your recovery and standard follow-up schedule, as the team will want to track your progress after the surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Patients who take part in this study may benefit indirectly by helping doctors learn more about the best ways to perform spinal surgery, which could improve care for everyone in the future. As with any surgery, there are potential risks, though selecting a surgical method that's right for you will be discussed with your surgeon. Participating in the study itself does not add significant new risks; it mainly involves collecting more detailed data about standard care. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical treatment.

Locations (12)

Medical University of Innsbruck
Verified postcode
Innsbruck, Austria
La Pitié Salpetrière Hospital
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Ortho-Klinik Dortmund
Verified postcode
Dortmund, Germany
Universitätsmedizin Göttingen
Verified postcode
Göttingen, Germany
Klinikum Rechts der Isar
Verified postcode
Munich, Germany
M. Bufalini Hospital
Verified postcode
Cesena, Italy
Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Ferrara
Verified postcode
Ferrara, Italy
Azienda Ospedaliera Papardo
Verified postcode
Messina, Italy
Azienda Ospedaliera Sant'Andrea di Roma
Verified postcode
Roma, Italy
Bergman Clinics
Verified postcode
Naarden, Netherlands
Hospital Universitario La Paz
Verified postcode
Madrid, Spain
HUG Geneva
Verified postcode
Geneva, Switzerland

Common questions

What kind of back problems is this study looking at?

It's for people with conditions like ongoing back pain from disc wear, slipped discs, spinal narrowing, recurring disc problems, certain infections, or tumours in the spine where screws need to be placed.

Will I get special treatment if I join the study?

No, you'll receive the same high standard of care as any other patient. The study simply collects more detailed information about your surgery and recovery.

Is the surgery different if I'm in the study?

You'll have one of the three standard surgical approaches: traditional, computer-guided, or robot-assisted. Which one you receive will be decided by your surgical team, not by the study itself.

Do I have to pay to be part of this study?

No, participating in medical studies in the UK is always free for patients. All your care will be provided through the NHS or your private healthcare provider as normal.

Can I change my mind about being in the study?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or your relationship with your healthcare team.