HERSHEY, Pa. -- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Dr. Dan Nguyen of the Department of Radiology is taking part in the STEPS Trial, a clinical research study to evaluate a minimally-invasive procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis. The procedure is already Food and Drug Administration-approved for use in the United States, although it is not typically covered by insurance. The information from this study will help provide companies with data to make coverage determinations.
Spinal stenosis is a painful condition found in aging individuals where spaces in the spine narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Treatments include medications to reduce swelling and relieve pain, and possibly decompression surgery.
To be eligible for the study, volunteers must be at least 65 years old, have their symptoms worse while walking or standing and better when sitting or bending forward, and have tried at least six months of non-operative treatment without sufficient relief.
For more information, call Swati Shah at 717-531-0003, ext. 281203.
This research, IRB STUDY00000436, has been approved by the Institutional Review Board, under federal regulations at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine.