[Inpatient rehabilitation measures in the early phase following surgery of intervertebral disk displacement as an effective alternative to ambulatory after-care].

Between 1983 and 1986, a total of 1012 patients were treated in our rehabilitation clinic after intervertebral disc surgery, either admitted shortly post op, or at a later time. Males outweighed females in proportion by 56 vs. 44%; the average age at surgery was 44 yrs. for male, and 42 yrs for female patients. 966 patients (95%) had undergone lumbar surgery, 46 (5%) surgery in the cervical region; 12% of the patients were operated twice and 2% for a third time. Except for those admitted shortly post-surgery, an average period of 6 to 7 months elapsed between the family doctor's, or specialist's, application for a rehabilitation measure and admission to the rehabilitation clinic. Average duration of incapacity for work totalled 6.2 months (males 5.6 months, females 6.8 months). Of the 228 patients with "incapable for work" status on admission to the clinic, 160 were discharged home capable for work, another 34 were recommended for work trial. The remaining 34 patients were referred back to the acute clinics for further diagnosis, or renewed surgery. The advantages of in-patient rehabilitation measures, among them post-surgery postural etc. training ("back training"), are set out, along with ways how the rehabilitative procedures should be dovetailed with the course of management.