Spine Fracture

Retrospective observational

Multicenter Post market clinical follow-up Study on the Safety and Performance of Ennovate® Cervical - Prospective, pure data collection of all Ennovate Cervical patients in Total Indications

We prospectively enrolled patients with a thoracic or lumbar spine fracture indicated for instrumented posterior stabilization. We consequently randomized the patient for either a conventional open approach procedure or minimally invasive surgery. 3DGA analysis was carried out at specific time points after surgery together with electromyography of deep-plane back muscles.

Each year, there are approximately 5 million new vertebral fractures worldwide1. Most of these fractures involve the thoracolumbar or lumbar spines. The thoracolumbar junction, due to its mechanical transition zone, and the lumbar spine, due to its absence of stabilizing articulations with the ribs, lordotic posture and more sagittal oriented facet joints, are vulnerable for involvement in spinal injuries2. Burst fractures occurs frequently in high-energy traumas which are most commonly associated with falls and traffic accidents.3

Rationale: There is no evidence in the current literature regarding the additional value of an orthosis after surgically treated thoracolumbar spine fractures. Objective: To assess whether an orthosis provides additional pain relief compared to no orthosis after posteriorly fixated thoracolumbar spine fractures. Primary outcome is difference in pain at six weeks post-operatively. Secondary objectives are pain at other moments, pain medication used, pain related disability, quality of life, long-term kyphosis, possible complications, hospital stay, return to work and subjective feeling on benefit or disadvantage from the orthosis. Study design: Randomized controlled intervention study, non-inferiority trial. Study population: Dutch speaking patients presented at the VU university medical centre, 18 - 65 years old with a traumatic thoracolumbar spine fracture from Th7 - L4 surgically treated by posterior fixation. Intervention: One group receives standard care and wears an orthosis after surgery for 12 weeks, to use when in vertical position. The intervention group does not wear an orthosis after surgery. Main study parameters/endpoints: Main study outcome is the difference in pain noted on the NRS-score at six weeks, ≥ 2 (SD 2,5) change corresponds with a clinically significant change in pain score. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: The current guideline for postoperative care regarding dorsal stabilization of spine fractures recommends the use of a post-operative orthosis. While patients generally receive an orthosis for 12 weeks, individual surgeon's believes sometimes gives reason to deviate from this guideline. This is founded by literature that increasingly questions the use of orthoses in the conservative treatment of spine fractures. With the fracture operatively stabilized, the orthosis mainly provides support of gesture and thereby potentially results in pain relief and confidence for patients. On the other hand some patients have a hard time weaning from the orthosis or report discomfort due to the device and prefer not to use it. With subjects being randomized between the use of an orthosis or no orthosis there is no additional risk. This is in part because it is hypothesized that there is no difference in postoperative pain and there might be a lower risk of complications related to the orthosis.