MULTICHANNEL NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AFTER INTERVERTEBRAL DISC REPLACEMENT WITH NONFUNCTIONAL IMPLANT

Abstract

Objectives. To analyze results of multichannel neuromuscular electrical stimulation after total lumbar disc replacement with titanium nonfunctional implants in the early postoperative period. Material and Methods. The study included 70 patients with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine which underwent surgical replacement of intervertebral disc by titanium nonfunctional implant. Thirty five patients (Study Group) received multichannel neuromuscular electrical stimulation since the 10th postoperative day. Another 35 patients (Control Group) did not have electrical stimulation. Both groups were identical in age (mean age of 43.6 years), gender, time of disease onset, hernia localization, and severity of neurological and orthopedic disorders. The comparative evaluation of treatment outcomes was carried out on the basis of clinical, X-ray, and EMG examination in patients of both groups in 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results. The residual vertebral pain syndrome was revealed in 5 patients of Study Group and in 26 control patients in 6 months after application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The moderate radicular pain with radiation to dermatome area was noted in 6 patients of Study Group in 3 months, and in 2 patients in 6 months after surgery. In Control Group these parameters were 18 and 9, respectively. Conclusion. The use of multichannel neuromuscular electrical stimulation after total intervertebral disc replacement by titanium nonfunctional implants allows early elimination of residual vertebral and radicular pain syndromes, and 3–5 months shortening of rehabilitation period.