The primary objective of this study is to assess whether or not low level laser therapy (LLLT) decreases pain in post-operative orthopedic patients following lumbar fusion surgery.
Lumbar fusion surgery patients typically experience significant post-operative pain for several weeks and their rehabilitation does not start until 8 - 12 weeks postoperatively. We hypothesize that LLLT beginning 4 weeks postoperatively will provide significant reduction in postoperative pain.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Low Level Laser Therapy done after surgery.
University of Toledo, Health Science Campus
Toledo, Ohio, United States
FACES Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: baseline (2 weeks after surgery), then 6,12, and 24 weeks from baseline
Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability (ODQ) Questionnaire
Time frame: baseline visit (2 weeks after the patient's surgery date) then 6,12, and 24 weeks thereafter
Quality of Life - The Quality of Life Short-Form Survey (SF-36)
Time frame: baseline visit (2 weeks after the patient's surgery date) then 6,12, and 24 weeks thereafter
Pain medication usage
Time frame: baseline (2 weeks after surgery), then 6,12, and 24 weeks from baseline
Improvement measured by serial photographs of surgery appearance and rate of healing
Time frame: 2 weeks after surgery, then 6, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.