Compression therapy after posterior lumbar decompression and internal fixation: a prospective, randomized, clinical study
Abstract Background: Wound-related complications have become an inevitable problem for spinal surgeons. Negative pressure drainage is the main method to prevent postoperative hematoma and related complications, which is still controversial. This prospective, randomized, controlled study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of compression therapy in the treatment of complications after posterior decompression and internal fixation of the lumbar spine, with emphasis on pain, anemia and inflammation. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients with an average age of 59 years (43–78 years) who were selected for posterior lumbar decompression and internal fixation were randomly assigned into two groups with an equal number of patients. The groups comprised patients on closed suction drain with compression therapy after surgery or those with closed suction drain alone. The drainage volume, visual analogue scale pain score for back pain, white blood cell and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels on the 1st, 3rd, and 10th days after the operation were compared between the two groups. Results: The average follow-up was 6 months and ranged from 3 to 11 months. Drainage volume, the visual analogue scale score, and C-reactive protein levels on the 10th day after the operation were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group. The red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels on the 3rd and 10th days after the operation were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (all P<0.05). At the time of discharge, wounds in the two groups showed grade A healing, and there were no signs of late infection in the groups. Conclusions: For postoperative posterior lumbar decompression and internal fixation, compression therapy relieves pain, alleviates anemia and the inflammatory response.