Abstract
Study Design. Randomized, single blind, Quasi-experimental trial.
Objective. To investigate whether immediate physiotherapy post lumbar micro-discectomy enables patients to become independently mobile more rapidly with no increase in risk of complications
Summary of Background Data. Although studies have demonstrated the efficacy of rehabilitation post lumbar discectomy, none have looked at physiotherapy commencing immediately post operatively.
Methods. A total of thirty patients were randomized to an immediate group commencing physiotherapy within two hours post-operatively or a control group receiving physiotherapy first day post-operatively. Outcome measures included the time taken for the patient to become independently mobile post-surgery, Oswestry Disability Index and pain scores (VAS and short form McGill) collected pre-operatively, post-operatively at four weeks, and three months.
Results. The results indicated significantly reduced time to independent mobility (p=0.009) and return to work (p=0.002) in the immediate group. There was no significant difference in disability and pain scores at four weeks and three months between the groups. Early mobilisation did not result in increased complications.
Conclusions. Immediate physiotherapy following first time single level lumbar micro-discectomy enables patients to become independently mobile more rapidly and return to work sooner. Immediate physiotherapy may enable patients to experience earlier discharge with associated cost benefits to healthcare.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Mr N. J. Henderson, BASS, c/o BOA, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
