The utilization of orthotic devices for lumbar degenerative disease has been justified from both a prognostic and therapeutic perspective. As a prognostic tool, bracing is applied prior to surgery to determine if immobilization of the spine leads to symptomatic relief and thus justify the performance of a fusion. Since bracing does not eliminate motion, the validity of this assumption is questionable. Only one low-level study has investigated the predictive value of bracing prior to surgery. No correlation between response to bracing and fusion outcome was observed; therefore a trial of preoperative bracing is not recommended. Based on low-level evidence, the use of bracing is not recommended for the prevention of low-back pain in a general working population, since the incidence of low-back pain and impact on productivity were not reduced. However, in laborers with a history of back pain, a positive impact on lost workdays was observed when bracing was applied. Bracing is recommended as an option for treatment of subacute low-back pain, as several higher-level studies have demonstrated an improvement in pain scores and function. The use of bracing following instrumented posterolateral fusion, however, is not recommended, since equivalent outcomes have been demonstrated with or without the application of a brace.
Keywords: DPQ = Dallas Pain Questionnaire; ODI = Oswestry Disability Index; PLF = posterolateral lumbar fusion; RMDQ = Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire; RSA = roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis; SF-12 = 12-Item Short Form Health Survey; SF-36 = 36-Item Short Form Health Survey; TEPF = temporary external pedicle fixation; VAS = visual analog scale; brace; bracing; low-back pain; lumbar fusion; practice guidelines; spine.