Abstract
BackgroundLumbar spinal fusion for degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine is frequently used, despite current research presenting inconclusive evidence. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyse the natural course of pain and disability in patients with degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine such as spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, disc herniation, or discogenic low back pain to improve lumbar spinal fusion management.Methods/designAn electronic database search will be conducted up to 30 September 2015 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and ZETOC database. In addition, a search for articles in press and published ahead of print, British National Bibliography for Report Literature, and OpenGrey will be conducted. Prospective cohort studies using outcome measures of pain and disability will be eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full-text independently using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias of included studies will be assessed with the modified version of the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. If meta-analysis of outcome data is deemed appropriate, variance-weighted pooled means will be calculated.DiscussionThe results of this systematic review and meta-analysis may improve understanding of recovery after lumbar spinal fusion and improve lumbar spinal fusion management.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42015026922Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13643-016-0252-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine is frequently used, despite current research presenting inconclusive evidence
Data provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services shows a substantial increase in hospitalizations for spinal fusion in the USA from 61,000 in 1993 to 296,211 in 2002 and over 451,000 in 2012 [4]
Pekkanen et al [10] show in their prospective cohort study a decrease in disability after Lumbar spinal fusion (LSF) for degenerative conditions, the patients did not reach similar disability outcomes compared to a general
Summary
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis may improve understanding of recovery after lumbar spinal fusion and improve lumbar spinal fusion management.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
