The following is a summary of “Trunk orthosis with joints providing resistive force improves dynamic sagittal alignment in postoperative patients with lumbar spinal stenosis,” published in the November 2023 issue of Surgery by Igawa et al.

This research aimed to assess the impact of a trunk orthosis with joints providing resistive force (TORF) on sagittal malalignment during level walking in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients post-surgery. Six months after LSS surgery, fifteen patients engaged in level walking at their self-selected pace while wearing a TORF. Dynamic sagittal alignment metrics, such as sagittal vertical axis, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic tilt, were measured alongside spatiotemporal data and lower limb kinematic and kinetic data. These metrics were recorded using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and six force plates. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the recorded data between conditions, with and without the TORF.

In comparison to the condition without the TORF, the utilization of the TORF significantly led to a decrease in the positive sagittal vertical axis (p < 0.05) and an increase in lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt (p < 0.05). Notably, peak hip flexion angle and extension moment during loading response (LR) significantly increased (p < 0.05). In contrast, peak hip extension angle and flexion moment during pressing (PS) exhibited a statistical decrease (p < 0.05). However, no discernible differences were observed in spatiotemporal data between the two conditions.

The study’s outcomes imply that TORF can alter the dynamic sagittal global alignment, lower limb kinematics, and kinetics among postoperative LSS patients during level walking. These findings highlight the prospective impact of TORF on modifying the dynamic sagittal alignment and lower limb movements during ambulation in individuals who have undergone surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Source: nature.com/articles/s41598-023-46209-6