The Effect of a Developed Perioperative Rehabilitation Pathway Following Lumbar Arthrodesis

The Effect of a Developed Perioperative Rehabilitation Pathway Following Lumbar Arthrodesis

To compare the current rehabilitation pathway with the implementation of a newly developed rehabilitation pathway for patients with a single and double level lumbar arthrodesis.

This involves a prospective interventional study with a one year follow-up. The investigators will compare the outcomes of the current rehabilitation pathway with a newly developed (based on systematic review and delphi study) rehabilitation pathway for patients with a single and double level lumbar arthrodesis. The usual care group (n= 30) will be compared with the intervention group (n= 30).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Lumbar single and double level arthrodesis
• Signed informed consent
• Posterior Lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), Posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) and Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous arthrodesis in the lumbar spine
• Musculoskeletal disorders which interfere with functional outcome, f.e. severe lower limb problems not related to the lumbar surgery
• Presence of one of the following pathologies:Parkinson Multiple sclerose (MS), Cerebral vascular accident (CVA), Peripheral neuropathies, Circulatory disorders, Gout, Rheumatoid disorders, Neoplasia, Septic arthritis, Pregnancy, Vestibular disorder, Infectious diseases
• Accident at work or lawsuit
• Low cognition
• Not able to speak Dutch