Protein Supplement and Enhanced Recovery After Posterior Spine Fusion Surgery: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether increased protein intake, specifically whey protein supplementation, improves vertebral fusion and enhances recovery in patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery.
Results Summary
The intervention group receiving whey protein showed significantly higher vertebral fusion rates, lower surgical site infection and pain, improved wound healing, and favorable changes in serum biomarkers compared to the control group.
Population
Patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery.
Effective Dosage
36 g whey protein daily.
Duration
From 48 hours before to 1 month after surgery.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein) | increase | vertebral fusion | patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery | - | showed a significantly higher rate | #1 |
diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein) | decrease | surgical site infection | patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery | - | were significantly lower | #2 |
diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein) | decrease | pain | patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery | - | were significantly lower | #3 |
diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein) | increase | wound healing rate | patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery | - | was a significant difference in | #4 |
diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein) | decrease | serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels | patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery | - | rates of decrease were greater | #5 |
diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein) | increase | serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 | patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery | - | rates of increase were greater | #6 |
diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein) | increase | serum levels of albumin | patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery | - | rates of increase were greater | #7 |
diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein) | increase | serum levels of total protein | patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery | - | rates of increase were greater | #8 |
diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein) | increase | serum levels of alkaline phosphatase | patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery | - | rates of increase were greater | #9 |
STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of protein supplementation on vertebral fusion and enhanced recovery after posterior spine fusion (PSF) surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Nonfusion is one of the most common complications of lumbar spine surgery. It has been shown that protein plays an important role in bone repair; however, its correlation to vertebral fusion following PSF surgery is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial study, the intervention group received a diet with 1.2 g of protein plus high-protein supplement (36 g whey protein), and the control group received a similar diet, except for starch as a placebo from 48 hours before to 1 month after surgery. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a significantly higher rate of vertebral fusion compared with the control group (P=0.019). Surgical site infection and pain were significantly lower in the intervention group. A significant difference was found in the wound healing rate in favor of the intervention group. The rates of decrease in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and increase in serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, albumin, total protein, and alkaline phosphatase were greater in the intervention group than in the control group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased protein intake improves vertebral fusion and enhances recovery in patients undergoing PSF. This was the first study to investigate the effect of protein on fusion and healing factors; as a result, further clinical trials are needed to confirm the current results.