Back braces
Motion of the lumbar (lower) spine can delay healing
in fractures or in post-operative fusions. Limiting
the motion of the spine enhances the healing process
for bone in both conditions, and will also usually decrease
the patient’s low back pain and discomfort.
Two types of back braces are commonly used to limit
the motion in the spine:
- Rigid braces
- Corset braces (elastic braces)
1. Rigid braces
Rigid braces, such as Boston Overlap braces or Thoracolumbar
Sacral Orthosis (TLSO), are form-fitting plastic braces
(see Figure
1). Provided that the rigid brace is well fitted,
it is able to limit approximately 50% of the motion
in the spine. Fractures (or broken bones) can often
be treated with a rigid brace and may also be used
after a fusion surgery.
Rigid braces are heavy and hot and tend to be relatively
uncomfortable for patients. They should be worn
when the patient is up, but may be removed when
lying down.
2. Corset braces (elastic braces)
A corset brace is sometimes recommended to limit motion
of the spine after a lumbar fusion. The brace helps
limit motion in the back while the fusion sets up
by not allowing the patient to bend forward. Bone
grows better where there is little motion, and especially
in cases where no instrumentation (devices to aid
in stability) is used, a back brace can be helpful
in obtaining a solid fusion.
People with jobs that involve heavy lifting also
sometimes wear corset braces. These braces essentially
work by limiting motion and acting as a reminder
to use proper body posture when lifting. With the
corset brace, one needs to lift with the back straight
(not bent forward), using the large leg muscles
to do the lifting.
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