Abstract
[Purpose] This study investigated the postoperative changes and relationships between scapular-retractor and shoulder rotator strengths, and pain around the scapula in laminoplasty patients. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen patients participated in the study. Strengths of the scapular retractor and shoulder rotator, and pain were evaluated at three time points: before, and at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery. [Results] Although shoulder rotator strength significantly decreased, retractor strength showed no significant change at 1 week after surgery. Moreover, a negative correlation was found between changes in pain and shoulder external rotator strength between pre- and post-surgery. [Conclusion] The results suggest that monitoring shoulder external rotator strength is useful for understanding the relationship between muscle strength and pain after laminoplasty. Moreover, muscle strengthening exercises focused on shoulder external rotator strength may reduce postoperative pain and facilitate early mobilization.
