# Optimizing Physiotherapeutic Approaches in Parkinson’s Disease Post-spinal Fixation Surgery: A Case Report

**Authors:** Prajyot Ankar, Neha P Arya, Tejaswini Fating, Anam R Sasun

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54149 · Cureus · 2024-02-13

## TL;DR

This case report shows how a tailored physiotherapy program improved mobility and function in a Parkinson’s patient after spinal surgery.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel rehabilitation approach for Parkinson’s patients post-spinal fixation surgery, emphasizing strength training and functional outcomes.

## Key findings

- The rehabilitation program significantly improved joint range of motion and muscle strength.
- Functional independence and balance were notably enhanced post-intervention.
- Lower limb function and disability scores showed marked improvement.

## Abstract

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit both a severe neuromuscular disorder and low bone quality at presentation. These issues are made worse by inactivity and a chairbound state. Each and every pathologic and degenerative process that affects the naturally aging spine also affects these individuals. Stooped posture is a symptom of a disease and can easily cause spinal degeneration. PD is associated with many physical abnormalities that cause a unique and specific need for rehabilitation. Patients' experiences highlight the challenges doctors face in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. This case report details the rehabilitation of a 67-year-old patient with PD who underwent spinal fixation for spinal stenosis and presented with complaints of weakness in both lower limbs. An advanced rehabilitation program was devised, primarily emphasizing strength training to enhance overall functionality. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted, encompassing range of motion (ROM), manual muscle testing (MMT), Oswestry Disability Index, Functional Independence Measure, Lower Limb Functional Scale, and Berg Balance Scale, all of which demonstrated noteworthy improvements in joints ROM, strength, functional independence, balance, and lower limb function. This case report underscores the significance of rehabilitation programs in such cases, highlighting their important role in enhancing overall functioning.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Parkinson's disease (MONDO:0005180), spinal stenosis (MONDO:0005965)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** neuromuscular disorder (MESH:D009468), spinal stenosis (MESH:D013130), physical abnormalities (MESH:D059445), posture (MESH:D054972), spinal degeneration (MESH:D009410), PD (MESH:D010300), weakness (MESH:D018908)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10940556/full.md

## References

20 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10940556/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10940556