The Effect of the Jewett Orthosis on Pain and Orthosis Satisfaction in Patients Undergoing Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty due to Multiple Myeloma-A Pilot Study

Durmuş A., Atılgan E., Sevindik Ö. G., Algun Z. C.

Turkish Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics Science, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.37-46, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

Purpose: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy characterized by uncontrolled plasma cell proliferation, often resulting in bone fractures, particularly vertebral compression fractures. Standard treatment includes vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to restore load distribution and stabilization. Postoperatively, the Jewett orthosis is prescribed to maintain spinal stability. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Jewett brace use on low back pain and patient satisfaction in MM patients who had undergone vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.
Methods: Four male patients aged 30–45 years with MM and vertebral fractures treated with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty were included. The Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) assessed back pain, and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) evaluated orthosis satisfaction. Vertebral curvature measurements were obtained one-month post-surgery to compare preoperative and postoperative vertebral height.
Results: According to the QBPDS, patients reported limitations in daily activities with a mean score of 49.25%. QUEST results showed that while the orthosis provided stabilization, the average satisfaction level was 3.85/5. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an increase in vertebral height, from a preoperative mean of 1.92 cm to a postoperative mean of 2.25 cm.
Conclusion: Conservative treatment with postoperative Jewett orthosis contributed positively to vertebral stabilization. Patients experienced moderate back pain and improvements in daily living activities, and overall satisfaction with the orthosis was reported. Further studies with larger cohorts are …