Join us   Log in   redactiarmsu@gmail.com  

THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY MEDICINE - Volume 6 Issue 1, February 2019

Pages: 5-13
Print Article   Download XML  Download PDF

YOUNG PATIENT WITH SPINA BIFIDA OCCULTA – ASSESSMENT AND REHABILITATION

Author: Dr. Rodica Traistaru, Dr. Catalina Voinea, Dr. Diana Kamal, Dr.Carmen Statescu

Category: Medical

Abstract:

AIMS: Spina bifida, one of the frequent congenital anomaly of spine, appears through variable closure defect of vertebral arch, with incomplete development of neural tube, in lumbar or sacral vertebral regions. Imaging examination (mainly radiological) is more essential in diagnosis that clinical evaluation. The objective of this study is to determine if patients suffering from spina bifida occulta and low back pain (without neurological signs) benefits from rehabilitation program.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 13 young patients (6 women, 7 men, aged between 14 - 19 years) were observed (clinical-functional evaluations and radiological investigations) and treated during 2017 - 2018. All subjects were evaluated at beginning and after 4 week kinetic program.

RESULTS: All patients improved in pain and quality of life, the differences between mean score values (visual analogue scale score for pain and the quality life score) were significant better in the end of rehabilitation program.

CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar spine is one of the frequent sites of spina bifida occulta. This abnormality generates pain, stiffness and functional clinical disabilities in association with other spine congenital syndromes (scoliosis, kyphosis). The objective of any preventive or therapeutic rehabilitation program is to teach patients how to help themselves.

Keywords: spina bifida occulta, assessment, rehabilitation program

References:

  1. Traistaru R, Popescu R. Kinetoterapia pentru forta si rezistenta in practica medicala, Editura Universitaria Craiova, ISBN 978-973-742-643-7, 2007, 253-280.
  2. Popescu V, Zamfirescu A. Pacientii la risc pentru boli ale sistemului nervos central (SNC), Revista Romana de Pediatrie, 2009, vol LVIII, Nr. 4, 353 – 359
  3. Promoting the development of infants and young children with spina bfida and hydrocephalus – A Guide for Mid-Level Rehabilitation Workers, World Health Organisation, 1996
  4. www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/res/VPTC2/12
  5. Eubanks JD, Cheruvu VK. Prevalence of sacral spina bifida occulta and its relationship to age, sex, race, and the sacral table angle: an anatomic, osteologic study of three thousand one hundred specimens, Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2009, 34(15):1539–43.
  6. Kundi M, Habib M, Babar S, et al. Transitional Vertebra and Spina Bifida Occulta Related with Chronic Low Back Pain in a Young Patient. Cureus, 2016, 8(10): e837. DOI 10.7759/cureus.837
  7. Paraskevas G, Tzika M, Kitsoulis P. Lumbosacral transitional vertebra associated with sacral spina bifida occulta: a case report. ACTA MEDICA (Hradec Králové) 2013; 56(3):126–129
  8. Secer M, Muradov JM, Dalgic A. Evaluation of Congenital Lumbosacral Malformations and Neurological Findings in Patients with Low Back Pain. Turkish Neurosurgery 2009, Vol: 19, No: 2, 145-148
  9. Davidson M, Keating J. A comparison of five low back disability questionnaires: reliability and responsiveness. Physical Therapy 2002; 82:8-24.
  10. Verhoef M, van Asbeck FWA, Gooskens RHJM, Prevo AJH. Secondary impairments in young adults with spina bifida. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 2004, 46: 420–427
  11. Sakai T, Goda Y, Tezuka F, et.al. Characteristics of lumbar spondylolysis in elementary school age children. Eur Spine J. 2016 Feb; 25(2):602-6. doi: 10.1007/s00586-015-4029-4. Epub 2015 May 26.
  12. van Mechelen MC, Verhoef M, van Asbeck FWA, Post MWM. Work participation among young adults with spina bifida in the Netherlands. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 2008, 50: 772–777
  13. Yavuz U, Bayhan AI, Beng K, Emrem K, Uzun M. Low back complaints worse, but not more frequent in subjects with congenital lumbosacral malformations: a study on 5000 recruits. Acta Orthop Belg. 2012 Oct;78(5):668-71
  14. Taskaynatan MA, Izci Y, Ozgul A, Hazneci B, Dursun H, Kalyon TA. Clinical significance of congenital lumbosacral malformations in young male population with prolonged low back pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2005 Apr 15;30(8):E210-3.
  15. Chang ST, Ku CH, Hsieh MF, Chen LC, Chu HY, Chang CC, Tsai KC. Contribution of the multifidus muscle for control of upright posture in subjects with spina bifida occulta. J Sport Rehabil. 2008 Aug; 17(3):283-99.