[Structured rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery : subacute treatment phase].

BACKGROUND

There are currently no uniform standards regarding rehabilitation of patients after lumbar spine surgery. Due to significant improvements in surgical methods in recent years, an increase in postoperative training intensity is now possible. Conservative rehabilitation has yet to adapt to this reality. Earlier initiation of structured rehabilitation after the acute phase is often regarded with skepticism.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of structured rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery in the early phase of treatment (2 weeks after surgery), a group of seven spinal surgery clinics, two inpatient and three outpatient rehabilitation centers in the Rhine-Main area in Germany was formed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective study, 124 patients were divided into groups (A/B/C) by their surgeon, regardless of diagnosis and surgical procedure. For each group of participants, the content of therapy was preplanned.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis using the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and short form-12 health survey (SF-12) to evaluate changes in impairment caused by back pain and in health-related quality of life was evaluated. In all three groups, significant improvements in VAS, ODI, and SF-12 were shown. Re-operation was unnecessary due to the absence of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

A structured postoperative rehabilitation program results in significant improvements in the parameters of pain and quality of life, and does not increase the risk of postoperative complications.