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Is there a role for postoperative physiotherapy in degenerative cervical myelopathy? A systematic review.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

Badran, Abdul 
Davies, Benjamin M 
Bailey, Heidi-Marie 
Kalsi-Ryan, Sukhvinder 
Kotter, Mark Rn 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review peer-reviewed literature relating to postoperative physiotherapy for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), to determine efficacy in improving clinical outcome and recovery. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PEDro, ISRCTN registry, WHO ICTRP and Clinicaltrials.gov . References and citations of relevant articles were searched. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42016039511) from the origins of the databases till 15 February 2018. Included were all studies investigating physiotherapy as an intervention after surgical treatment of DCM to determine effect on clinical outcome and recovery. Study quality was determined using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. RESULTS: In all, 300 records were identified through tailored systematic searches, after removing duplicates. After screening, only one investigated postoperative rehabilitation using physiotherapy for DCM; however, this was retrospective with no controls. This study suggested that rehabilitation including physiotherapy improved postoperative recovery. There are currently two registered trials investigating the use of postoperative physiotherapy for DCM. CONCLUSIONS: The literature provides insufficient evidence to make any evidence-based recommendations regarding postoperative physiotherapy use in DCM.

Description

Keywords

Cervical myelopathy, cervical stenosis, degeneration, disc herniation, ossification posterior longitudinal ligament, physical therapy, spondylosis

Journal Title

Clinical Rehabilitation

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1477-0873
1477-0873

Volume Title

32

Publisher

SAGE
Sponsorship
Department of Health (via National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)) (CS-2015-15-023)
his report is an independent research supported by a Clinician Scientist Award by the National Institute for Health Research (grant no. CS-2015-15-023).