Three-dimensional Spinal Motion Measurements. Part 2: A Noninvasive Assessment of Lumbar Brace Immobilization of the Spine

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the limitation of motion as well as comfort provided by four different types of lumbar braces. The four braces were the Raney jacket, the Camp lace-up corset, a molded-polypropylene thoracolumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO), and a common elastic corset. The data revealed that all braces significantly restrict free lumbar and thoracic motion in the sagittal and frontal planes. All braces restricted lumbar motion more in the frontal than in the sagittal plane. The rigid TLSO and Raney jackets were most restrictive when compared with the Camp corset and the elastic corset. Axial rotation in the lumbar spine is normally minimal and further limitation by a brace would be negligible. All braces restricted thoracic motion despite the fact that lumbar braces were used. The elastic corset was rated the most comfortable and the Raney jacket the least comfortable. This verifies that there is an inverse relationship between a brace's ability to restrict motion and comfort.