The efficacy of rehabilitation after reoperation for recurrent lumbar disc herniation

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of early rehabilitation therapy on recovery from reoperation for recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH).Methods Sixty-five cases who received surgery for RLDH between 2007 and 2009 were randomly divided into a rehabilitation group and control group.Both groups were treated with the same surgical approach and routine treatment.Early and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy was provided in the rehabilitation group during the perioperative period,including preoperative and postoperative muscle strength training,postoperative sitting and standing balance training,and acupuncture.The control group was instructed only in general exercise.Before the operation and 2 weeks and 3,6,12 and 24 months afterward,the surgical outcomes of all cases were assessed using the JOA score and the improvement rate in the JOA score.Any postoperative complications and intervertebral fusion were also observed.Results The average postoperative JOA scores of both groups were significantly higher than their preoperative scores.At all of the time points after the operation,the average JOA scores and all improvement rates in the rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those in the control group.Postoperative complications such as deep venous thrombosis,urinary retention and constipation were significantly less among the rehabilitation group than among the controls.All the intervertebral bone implants were well fused on time.Conclusion Early rehabilitation can significantly improve the effectiveness of RLDH reoperation and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.It is recommended for clinical application. Key words: Recurrent herniation; Lumbar disc herniation; Rehabilitation