MỐI LIÊN QUAN GIỮA TẬP DI CHUYỂN SỚM VỚI KẾT QUẢ HỒI PHỤC CỦA NGƯỜI BỆNH SAU PHẪU THUẬT LÀM CỨNG CỘT SỐNG THẮT LƯNG

Abstract

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that early ambulation after spinal fusion surgery contributes to pain relief, reduces postoperative complications, and shortens hospital stays. However, high-quality evidence on its effectiveness remains limited, and there is no consensus regarding the optimal timing for early ambulation. In Vietnam, no studies have been conducted on this issue to date. Objective: To determine the association between early ambulation and recovery outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Method: A total of 43 patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar spinal fusion at the Department of Neurosurgery – University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, who received rehabilitation interventions, were enrolled from August 2024 to January 2025. Results: Following the intervention, the VAS pain score decreased from 4.7 to 2.3, and the Barthel Index increased from 26.63 to 84.65, with all improvements being statistically significant (p < 0.001). The average time to initial ambulation was 1.51 ± 0.94 days. The mean hospital stay was 6.92 ± 2.09 days, ranging from 4 to 12 days. There were no statistically significant differences in pain reduction, Barthel Index improvement, or length of hospital stay between the early ambulation group (within 24 hours postoperatively) and the control group (after 24 hours). Only three patients experienced postoperative complications (pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and urinary tract infection), and no mobilization-related adverse events were recorded. Conclusion: Early ambulation after lumbar spinal fusion surgery is safe and feasible, contributing to reduced postoperative pain, improved functional outcomes, and shorter hospital stays. However, ambulation within the first 24 hours post-surgery has not been proven to be the optimal cut-off point for achieving superior clinical benefits.