Effect of Physical Exercises and Functional Electrostimulation on Leg Function after Lumbar Spine Dermoid Cyst Removal. A Case Study

Abstract

Research background. Dermoid cysts are rare and usually diagnosed in children. Despite the benign nature of the dermoid cyst, neurosurgical removal operation, which can cause neurological deficits, is often performed. Elimination or alleviation of postoperative residual events and improvement of quality of life remains the most relevant questions, thus this study overview whether innovate technologies such as physiotherapy combined with functional electrostimulation ,,Bioness L300“ can enable to achieve significant benefits.

The aim. To assess the effects of physical exercise and functional electrostimulation on leg function after lumbar spine dermoid cyst removal.

Methods. One subject participated after lumbar spine dermoid cyst removal. Neurological symptoms (myotomes, dermatomes, reflexes), pain intensity, dynamic balance, legs volumes, gait quality and subjective functional condition of the foot were assessed as well as manual muscle testing and goniometry of affected leg were applied.

Results. The results showed that functional condition of foot and ankle, active range of motion, muscle strength, volume of affected leg during the physiotherapy significantly increased.

Pain reduced in the late period, dynamic balance, gait quality, sensations and function of the affected leg improved the most. Achilles and patellar tendons reflexes in the right side remained impaired.

Conclusion. Physical exercises and functional electrostimulation are effective in improving leg function after lumbar spine dermoid cyst removal.

Keywords: dermoid cyst, physiotherapy, functional electrostimulation, gait.