Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

Lumbar Spine Stabilization with a Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis

Principal Investigator: Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D.

Spinal bracing is used in a variety of acute and chronic conditions. The efficacy of bracing of the lumbar spine is thought to be due to a complex interaction of several factors including but not limited to motion reduction, increased intra-abdominal pressure, and pressure feedback on the musculature. Thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSO's) are used in management of acute conditions such as spondylolysis, disc herniation, and spondylolisthesis as well as in treating curve progression of idiopathic scoliosis. Despite the widespread use of spinal bracing, questions remain about the efficacy of bracing in general and effects of different types of braces in reducing vertebral motion. The purpose of this study was to use video fluoroscopy to quantify the dynamic effects of thoracolumbosacral bracing on in-vivo spinal motion.