Radiographic Outcomes of Immobilization using Boston Brace for Pediatric Spondylolysis

Background and Aims: Spondylolysis is a common cause of lower back pain during youth. The aim of this study is to report the bony union rate and risk factors for non-union of the lumbar spondylolysis of pediatric patients treated with a rigid thoracolumbosacral orthosis (Boston brace). Materials and...

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Published in:Scandinavian journal of surgery 2021-06, Vol.110 (2), p.271-275
Main Authors: Virkki, E., Holstila, M., Mattila, K., Pajulo, O., Helenius, I.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Background and Aims: Spondylolysis is a common cause of lower back pain during youth. The aim of this study is to report the bony union rate and risk factors for non-union of the lumbar spondylolysis of pediatric patients treated with a rigid thoracolumbosacral orthosis (Boston brace). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 68 children (mean age = 13.9 years) treated for spondylolysis with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis. Patient charts and imaging studies were evaluated to identify the bony union rate of the spondylolysis after a minimum of 3 months of immobilization (mean = 4.2 months). Laterality, grade, level, and presence of high signal intensity in the magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated as prognostic factors. Results: Sixty-eight patients presented with 110 defects. Of them, 46 (42%) were incomplete fractures, 38 (35%) complete fractures, and 26 (24%) pseudoarthrosis. Of these defects, 38 (82.6%), 11 (28.9%), and 0 (0.0%) had bony union at the end of the treatment (p 
ISSN:1457-4969
1799-7267
DOI:10.1177/1457496919896998