title: Spinal Orthoses for Vertebral Osteoporosis and Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture: A Systematic Review.
abstract: To systematically review the evidence of effectiveness of spinal orthoses for adults with vertebral osteoporosis.
  
  
  
  We conducted a systematic literature search using the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library from January 1995 to October 2014.
  
  
  
  Two reviewers evaluated eligibility. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pilot RCTs, and prospective nonrandomized controlled studies of spinal orthoses for people with vertebral osteoporosis or osteopenia with and without osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) that examined outcomes related to fracture consolidation, pain, strength, posture, balance, physical function, quality of life, and complications were eligible.
  
  
  
  Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated methodological quality using a domain-based risk-of-bias approach.
  
  
  
  Twelve studies were included: 8 RCTs or pilot RCTs and 4 nonrandomized studies involving 626 participants. Three studies (n=153) evaluated orthoses after acute OVF; none were of high quality. Complications were highest with rigid orthoses. Evidence that orthoses could affect vertebral deformity was lacking. Nine studies (n=473) of varying quality considered orthoses in subacute and longer rehabilitation. Three suggested a semirigid backpack thoracolumbar orthosis (TLO) could benefit strength, pain, posture, and quality of life. One found a weighted kypho-orthosis (WKO) improved balance.
  
  
  
  The limited evidence about orthoses after acute OVF is inconclusive; better evidence of efficacy is needed, particularly when considering complications. The promising evidence regarding the backpack TLO and WKO needs to be explored further in studies of sufficient size and quality that include men.
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Research Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, England; Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, England. Electronic address: meredith.newman@ouh.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Meredith
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Research Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, England.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Minns Lowe
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Research Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, England; Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, England.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Barker
mesh_terms: D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001915:Braces; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D011788:Quality of Life; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*
keywords: Braces; Kyphosis; Orthotic devices; Osteoporosis; Osteoporotic fractures; Rehabilitation