Management of spinal deviations in physical medicine and functional rehabilitation

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze cases of spinal deviations in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) department at Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Marrakech, with a focus on the role of rehabilitation in their management. Methods and Patients: We conducted a cross-sectional, observational descriptive study over a six-month period involving 52 patients with spinal deviations, treated in the PMR department. Data were meticulously collected using a questionnaire completed during consultations with patients selected according to specific criteria. Results: The study revealed that the average age of the patients was 21.25 years, with a predominance of females (68%). Among the spinal deviations, scoliosis was the most common (68%), followed by scoliotic posture (18%), hyperkyphosis (11%), and compensatory lumbar hyperlordosis (3%). The primary reason for consultation was aesthetic concern (56%), with the most frequent symptoms being gibbus deformity (54%) and shoulder asymmetry (35%). Rehabilitation was prescribed for all patients, sometimes as the sole treatment or in combination with bracing. Orthoses were used to correct foot deformities and leg length discrepancies. Only one patient underwent surgical intervention. The outcome was positive for 63% of patients, with improvement in the Cobb angle and pain reduction. However, a 5° worsening was observed in one patient (2% of the sample), while the others remained stable. Conclusion: In conclusion, the therapeutic approaches employed in our sample demonstrated their effectiveness in managing spinal deviations. Rehabilitation proved to be particularly essential as an adjunct treatment, enhancing the outcomes of other therapies and contributing to the relief of back pain, which had a positive impact on patients' quality of life.