RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THORACOLUMBAR STABILIZATION USING TWO DIFFERENT ORTHOSIS SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate radiographically the stability of the thoracolumbar junction comparing the two types of thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) most used in our environment, the Jewett and the Boston braces. Methods: After approval by the institutional review board, nine participants were submitted to X-rays in the profile view, with the beam focused on T12, in the orthostatic position, maximal flexion without brace and maximal flexion with the Jewett and the Boston braces. The Cobb angle of the thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2) was measured and the values compared using the student T test (p <0.05). Results: The Boston brace promoted greater stabilization of the thoracolumbar junction during flexion of the trunk compared to the Jewett brace (p <0.05). In addition, there was no statistical difference in the Cobb angle of the thoracolumbar junction in the orthostatic (neutral) position and in flexion using the Boston brace. Conclusion: The Boston brace presented greater stabilization of the thoracolumbar region during flexion of the trunk compared to the Jewett brace. Level of Evidence II; Prospective comparative study.