FORENSIC-UK Study

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    back pain
    FORENSIC-UK
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    Spine surgery consultation
    FORENSIC-UK
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    physiotherapy for back pain
    FORENSIC-UK
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    FORENSIC-UK
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    surgeon in theatre
    FORENSIC-UK

FORENSIC-UK Study: spinal fusion surgery or non-surgical treatment?

FORENSIC-UK is a research study to try and find out, for a carefully selected group of patients with on-going low back pain, if they can benefit from either Spinal Fusion Surgery or from a personalised non-surgical treatment plan that will include an individual medication, exercise and pain control management plan (Best Conservative Care). These two treatments (see below) will be directly compared.

If you are interested in taking part in FORENSIC-UK, please contact your clinical team to find out if your local hospital will be a participating site. 

 

Lumbar Fusion Surgery (LFS)

Participants in this group will undergo lumbar (commonly known as spinal) fusion surgery by a consultant spinal surgeon. Lumbar fusion is a surgical operation on the small bones in the spine called vertebrae. It is a 'welding' process to fuse together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone relieving low back pain. This is a well established type of surgery which is already routinely used in the NHS to treat other back conditions - FORENSIC-UK may open this known surgery procedure to the wider group of patients with persistent low back pain. 

 

Best Conservative Care (BCC)

Participants in this group will be seen by a senior spinal practitioner - usually a senior physiotherapist who will perform a detailed assessment of needs and, together with the patient, design a personalised non-surgery treatment plan based on their previous care, their goals and expectations. This personalised approach is different from the standard care available as it will recognise that each person is unique, and the treatment will be tailored accordingly. This may include a course of specialist physiotherapy, focused pain management and rehabilitation.

How to participate in the study

To take part in this study you would need to:

  • Be aged between 18 and 65.
  • Have severe low back pain for 6 months or more.
  • Have had some form of non-surgery treatment for your back pain, i.e. medication, physiotherapy, pain management.
  • Be able to have Lumbar Fusion Surgery or receive the Best Conservative Care.
  • Be willing and able to provide consent.
  • Be happy to complete a maximum of four sets of questionnaires about your pain and mobility.