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The FORENSIC Study

The clinical and cost-effectiveness of lumbar fusion surgery for patients with persistent, severe low back pain: FusiOn veRsus bEst coNServatIve Care

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Background

Low back pain (LBP) is common and often improves without specific treatment.

Where it doesn’t, painkillers and physiotherapy can be successful and previous research has shown this is the best initial treatment. However, this approach does not work for all, and some people are left with persistent, severe LBP impacting their health, daily activities and work. One potential cause of more persistent LBP is thought to be ‘wear-and-tear’ (degeneration) of the spinal joints in the lower back. An operation called spinal fusion that surgically fixes the spinal bones together in that area may help. This type of operation has been used successfully for degenerative conditions in the ankle and wrist, but its benefit remains less clear for patients with LBP and spine degeneration.

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About the Study

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Address
University of Queensland's Clinical Trials Centre (UQ CTC)
Level 3, UQ Centre for Clinical Research
Building 71/918
Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Campus
Herston, QLD, 4006

Telephone
(07) 334 66043

Email
forensic@uq.edu.au

The FORENSIC study is funded by the NHMRC-NIHR Collaborative Research Grant Scheme ID 201572. The views expressed are those of the authors and are not intended to be representative of the views of the funder, sponsor or other participating organisations.

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