ACSS Surgical Approaches and Dysphagia Comparison Study
ClinicalTrials.gov Studies
Summary
NIH registered an observational clinical study (NCT07533864) comparing two anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) approaches—Smith-Robinson versus strap-splitting—for their effects on dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) and voice changes. The study will enroll participants assigned to either approach based on surgeon preference, with follow-up questionnaires assessing swallowing and speaking outcomes. This registry entry documents an active clinical investigation on a common spinal procedure with known swallowing-related complications.
What changed
NIH registered a new observational study (NCT07533864) on ClinicalTrials.gov comparing two anterior cervical spine surgery approaches—Smith-Robinson and strap-splitting—for their impact on postoperative dysphagia, hoarseness, and swallowing pain. Participants undergo one approach based on surgeon preference and complete follow-up questionnaires assessing speech and swallowing function.
For healthcare providers and spinal surgeons, this study adds to the evidence base on surgical technique selection and complication profiles. The findings may inform future clinical practice guidelines on approach selection for anterior cervical procedures. Medical device manufacturers whose products are used in these procedures have no immediate compliance obligations but should monitor emerging outcomes data that may influence surgical technique preferences.
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
ACSS Approach on Dysphagia
Observational NCT07533864 Kind: OBSERVATIONAL Apr 16, 2026
Abstract
Anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) is a procedure for the treatment of several neck problems. Even though the procedure is overall safe and effective, there are possible complications after surgery, which include problems swallowing, hoarseness of the voice, and pain when swallowing.
There are two different ways the spinal surgeon can approach the spine from the front of the neck. One is called a Smith-Robinson approach, and the other is called a strap-splitting approach. Each approach uses the same skin cut, the difference is only in how the next layer is approached, whether on the outside (Smith-Robinson) or through (strap-splitting) one of the small muscles in your neck. Because of the slightly different approaches to the surgery, we want to see if there are differences in complications related to swallowing and speaking between these two approaches.
Participants will undergo one of the two surgical approaches, based on surgeon preference. Participants will complete a questionnaire at several time points during their clinical follow-up to assess any difficulties swallowing and speaking.
Conditions: Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
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