Rehabilitation to Improve Outcomes after Cervical Spine Surgery: Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Background:

• The global elderly population is increasing, leading to a rise in cervical spinal disorders and subsequent surgical interventions.
• Effective post-operative rehabilitation is critical for optimal recovery after cervical spine surgery.
• Current research lacks consensus on the most suitable postsurgical rehabilitation protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and assess the ideal rehabilitation approach for adult patients following cervical spine operations.
• To provide guidance on optimizing recovery and functional outcomes after cervical spine surgery.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review encompassing activities of daily living, physiotherapy, specialized tools, and activity guidance.
• The review is structured into historical perspectives, patient-reported functional outcomes, and general/disease-specific rehabilitation.

Main Results:

• Rehabilitation programs are individualized based on patient-reported outcomes, performance tests, and disease prognosis.
• Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) rehabilitation focuses on neck and shoulder muscle strengthening.
• Cervical spinal cord injury (CCI) and cervical cancer treatment (CCT) rehabilitation prioritizes mobility and ambulation, considering injury severity and cancer prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Cervical spine rehabilitation post-surgery is vital for enhancing physical function, daily activity performance, and overall quality of life.
• Rehabilitation protocols should integrate general and disease-specific exercises.
• Future rehabilitation strategies must balance muscle strengthening with crucial spinal balance enhancement.