Postoperative physiotherapy after microsurgery of lumbar discal hernias: Effects on spine mobility and muscle activity (microsurgery of discal lumbar hernias)

Abstract

Introduction:

This prospective clinical observation analyses the effects of postoperative standard in-hospital physiotherapy after surgery of a symptomatic (paralysis) lumbar discal hernia.

Material and methods:

From 1994 to 1996, 40 patients were investigated using a 3-D-motion-analaysis of the spine as well as a surface electromyography (EMG) of the paralumbar muscle 4 weeks after microsurgery of a hernia of L4/L5 or L5/S1. As a control, 40 healthy individuals were investigated.

Results:

There was only a tendency toward reduced segment mobility in the patient group. During dynamic excercises (walking) the differences in the muscle activity were low while isometric excercises showed obvious muscle activity deficiency in patients.

Conclusion:

There might be a benefit from dynamic exercises such as walking or even jogging for patients after surgery of a symptomatic lumbar hernia.