Postoperative rehabilitation versus early mobilization following scoliosis surgery: A single-blind randomized clinical trial


Bazancir Z., TALU B., KORKMAZ M. F.

Journal of Orthopaedic Science, vol.28, no.2, pp.308-314, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 28 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jos.2021.11.017
  • Journal Name: Journal of Orthopaedic Science
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.308-314
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: To compare the effect of five days of intensive postoperative rehabilitation and early mobilization following scoliosis surgery. Methods: Forty adolescent patients who had undergone scoliosis surgery were randomly allocated into a rehabilitation group (RG, n = 20) and a mobilization group (MG, n = 20). The RG received five days of intensive exercise program and early ambulation, the MG received five days of a standard gait training and early ambulation. The patients were evaluated for severity of pain using a visual analog scale, thorax mobility with the thoracic mobility index, balance with the functional reach test, walking distance with the 2-min walk test, and quality of life with the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire. The length of hospital stay was recorded. Results: The RG was favored over the MG for improvements from 0 to 1 week for pain. Improvements from 0 to 1 week were significantly better in the RG than the MG group for thorax mobility, balance, and walking distance. Quality of life scores improvements from 0 to 1 week were significantly better in the RG group than in the MG group. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RG group. Conclusion: Five days of intensive postoperative rehabilitation were superior to early mobilization in reducing the length of hospital stay, and in improving physical and functional outcomes following scoliosis surgery.