Early rehabilitation improves neurofunctional outcome after surgery in children with spinal tumors.

To investigate the effect of early rehabilitation on neurofunctional outcome after surgery in children with spinal tumors, this study reviewed the medical charts and radiographic records of 70 pediatric patients (1-17 years old) who received spinal tumor surgical removal. The peddiatric patients received rahabilitation treatment at 4 (range, 2-7) days after surgery for 10 (range, 7-23) days. Results from the Modified McCormick Scale, Functional Independence Measure for Children, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale demonstrated that the sensory function, motor function and activity of daily living of pediatric children who received early rehabilitation were significantly improved. Results also showed that tumor setting and level localization as well as patients's clinical symptoms have no influences on neurofunctional outcomes.