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Published in: European Spine Journal 2/2019

01-02-2019 | Original Article

Postoperative bracing after lumbar surgery: a survey amongst spinal surgeons in Belgium

Authors: Liedewij Bogaert, Peter Van Wambeke, Tinne Thys, Thijs Willem Swinnen, Wim Dankaerts, Simon Brumagne, Lieven Moke, Koen Peers, Bart Depreitere, Lotte Janssens

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

Bracing is frequently prescribed following lumbar surgery for degenerative conditions. However, previous studies failed to demonstrate the advantage of postoperative lumbar bracing in both short- and long-term outcome in terms of pain, quality of life and fusion rate. The purpose of this study was to assess the prescription patterns and rationale for postoperative bracing amongst spinal surgeons in Belgium.

Methods

A 16-item online survey was distributed by email to spinal surgeons affiliated to the Spine Society of Belgium (N = 252).

Results

A total of 105 surgeons (42%) completed the survey. The overall bracing frequency following lumbar surgery was 38%. A brace was more often prescribed following the fusion procedures (52%) than after the non-fusion procedures (21%) (p < 0.0001). The majority of surgeons (59%) considered bracing after at least one type of lumbar surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons (73%) reported a significantly higher rate of prescribing postoperative bracing compared to neurosurgeons (44%) (p = 0.003). Pain alleviation (67%) was the main goal for prescribing a postoperative brace. A total of 42% of the surgeons aimed to improve fusion rate by bracing after lumbar fusion procedures. A quasi-equal level of the scientific literature (29%), personal experience (35%) and teaching from peers (36%) was reported to contribute on the attitudes towards prescribing bracing.

Conclusions

Postoperative bracing was prescribed by Belgian spinal surgeons following more than one-third of lumbar procedures. This was underpinned by beliefs regarding pain alleviation and higher fusion rate. Interestingly, based on the scientific literature these beliefs have been demonstrated to be false.

Graphical abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Postoperative bracing after lumbar surgery: a survey amongst spinal surgeons in Belgium
Authors
Liedewij Bogaert
Peter Van Wambeke
Tinne Thys
Thijs Willem Swinnen
Wim Dankaerts
Simon Brumagne
Lieven Moke
Koen Peers
Bart Depreitere
Lotte Janssens
Publication date
01-02-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Spine Journal / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-018-5837-0

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