Activating thoracolumbar orthoses as a non-pharmacological component in the treatment of vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis

Background : The duration and mode of use of activating thoracolumbar orthoses for low-energy vertebral fractures remains a subject of debate. Aim : Тo evaluate the effect of an activating thoracolumbar orthosis in women with a fracture due to osteoporosis on pain, strength of the back and abdominal muscles when worn throughout the day and for up to 2 months. Materials and methods : A prospective, single-center cohort study. Muscle strength was assessed in points using a modified FSSD (flexibility-strength-statics-dynamics) test, the «Stand up from a chair 5 times with arms crossed on your chest» test, and pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). The tested muscles were distributed as follows: abdominal muscles — rectus abdominis, external and internal oblique abdominal muscles on both sides; back muscles — a group of muscles that straighten the spine. Results : 20 patients were included in the study, 14 graduated. After 2 months, there was a significant increase in the strength of the lumbo-iliac muscles (p=0.008), rectus abdominis and lumbo-iliac muscles from a supine position with the lower extremities bent at the knee joints (p=0.016), the muscles straightening the spine (p=0.018), static stability of the back muscles (p=0.033) and a significant reduction in pain (p=0.016). Conclusion : The use of the activating thoracolumbar orthosis ORLETT OBS-300 in the mode of constant wear during the day and for up to 2 months is an effective method of influencing pain, strength indicators and stabilizing function of the muscles of the back and abdomen in patients with low-energy fracture on the background of osteoporosis.