Survey of Symptom Recurrence and Postoperative Physical Therapy in Postoperative Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Disease

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify physicians’ point of view of relapse of symptoms for patients who had lumbar degenerative disease surgery, and their expectations of postoperative physical therapy. [Participants and Methods] The participants were four orthopedic surgeons specializing in lumbar degenerative disease. Basic attributes and other data were collected through an internet survey. Interviews were conducted regarding perceptions of postoperative relapse of symptoms and expectations of postoperative physical therapy. [Results] Point of view of relapse of symptoms was based on complaints of daily living as described by patients. Postoperative physical therapy was expected to maintain core muscle strength, adjust general balance, and provide independent training instruction. [Conclusion] Physicians judged postoperative symptom flare-ups not only by objective evaluation, but also by the complaints of daily life as described by patients. Their expectations of postoperative physical therapy were the maintenance or improvement of muscle strength and general balance in order to prevent relapse of symptoms.