Statistics from the Swedish National Spine Register show
that 25% of patients experience unimproved or worsened
back and/or leg pain and up to 40% are doubtful or
dissatisfied with the outcome of surgery 12 months after
lumbar fusion.1 Thus, there is a definite need to improve
outcome after lumbar fusion. Improvements in postoperative
rehabilitation methods may be of significant value for
the patients.Arandomized controlled trial of rehabilitation
regimes implemented 3 months after lumbar fusion has
highlighted the benefits of adding a psychosocial intervention
to an exercise therapy program.2 Delaying rehabilitation
until 3 months after surgery may however, be unnecessary
because early exercise has been shown not to
overload lumbar internal fixation