Bracing and supporting of the lumbar spine.

The orthopaedic surgeon should be familiar with various supports and braces for the treatment of low back pain. Severe cases of spinal instability always need a Hohmann overbridging brace, whereas the milder form of motion-segment instability is treated with one of the elastic supports. In cases of osteoporosis of the spine and insufficiency of the lumbosacral junction the Lindemann 2/3 semi-elastic brace is prescribed.