Peer-review started: June 21, 2014
First decision: July 10, 2014
Revised: July 23, 2014
Accepted: October 14, 2014
Article in press: October 16, 2014
Published online: January 18, 2015
Spinal cord infections were the diseases defined by Hypocrite yet the absence of modern medicine and there was not a real protocol in rehabilitation although there were many aspects in surgical treatment options. The patients whether surgically or conservatively treated had a lot of neurological, motor, and sensory disturbances. Our clinic has quite experience from our previous researchs. Unfortunately, serious spinal cord infections are still present in our region. In these patients the basic rehabilitation approaches during early, pre-operation, post-operation period and in the home environment will provide significant contributions to improve the patients’ sensory and motor skills, develop the balance and proriocaption, increase the independence of patients in daily living activities and minimize the assistance of other people. There is limited information in the literature related with the nature of the rehabilitation programmes to be applied for patients with spinal infections. The aim of this review is to share our clinic experience and summarise the publications about spinal infection rehabilitation. There are very few studies about the rehabilitation of spinal infections. There are still not enough studies about planning and performing rehabilitation programs in these patients. Therefore, a comprehensive rehabilitation programme during the hospitalisation and home periods is emphasised in order to provide optimal management and prevent further disability.
Core tip: Spinal cord infections were not a real protocol in rehabilitation although there were many aspects in surgical treatment options. In these patients the basic rehabilitation approaches during early, pre-operation, post-operation period and in the home environment will provide significant contributions to improve the patients. The aim of this review is to share our clinic experience and summaries the publications about spinal infection rehabilitation. There are very few studies about the rehabilitation of spinal infections. Therefore, a comprehensive rehabilitation programme during the hospitalization and home periods is emphasized in order to provide optimal management and prevent further disability.