Randomised controlled trial to compare surgical stabilisation of the lumbar spine with an intensive rehabilitation programme for patients with chronic low back pain: the MRC spine stabilisation trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess the clinical effectiveness of surgical stabilisation (spinal fusion) compared with intensive rehabilitation for patients with chronic low back pain.

Design

Multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Setting

15 secondary care orthopaedic and rehabilitation centres across the United Kingdom.

Participants

349 participants aged 18-55 with chronic low back pain of at least one year's duration who were considered candidates for spinal fusion.

Intervention

Lumbar spine fusion or an intensive rehabilitation programme based on principles of cognitive behaviour therapy.

Main outcome measure

The primary outcomes were the Oswestry disability index and the shuttle walking test measured at baseline and two years after randomisation. The SF-36

SUBMITTER: Fairbank J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC558090 | biostudies-literature | 2005 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature