Short Versus Long Post-Operative Restrictions Following Lumbar Discectomy
Status unconfirmed · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Lumbar Disc Herniation
In brief
Post-operative restrictions following lumbar discectomy is a controversial topic. While the most widely accepted protocol restricts bending, lifting, and twisting for four to six weeks following discectomy, a number of studies support an early return to full activity without restriction. Since the goal of discectomy is to promptly provide pain relief and a return to a fully active lifestyle, perhaps post-operative restrictions are more hindering than beneficial. Hypothesis: Post-operative restrictions following lumbar discectomy do not influence reherniation rate. Specific Aim 1: To compare the reherniation rates between the 6-weeks of restriction and the 2-weeks of restriction groups. Specific Aim 2: To determine the return to full activity and return to work dates of both the 6-weeks of restriction and 2-weeks of restriction groups. Specific Aim 3: To assess the health outcomes of both the 6-weeks of restriction and 2-weeks of restriction groups.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT01363830
- Run by
- Brigham and Women's Hospital
- People needed
- 420
- Starts
- 2009-08-01
- Expected to finish
- 2013-12-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2013-10-22
Who can join
Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- 18 years of age or older
- English speaking
- single level lumbar disc herniation
- surgical candidate
- no previous lumbar surgery
- primary radicular pain
You may not qualify if…
- Less than 18 years of age
- Non-English speaking
- Multi-level lumbar disc herniation
- Disc reherniation
- Previous lumbar surgery
- Primary low back pain
Where it is running
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (enrolling)
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (enrolling)
- Brigham & Women's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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