Postoperative Rehabilitation for Thoracic Disc Herniation in a Professional Rugby Player: A Case Report

Abstract

Thoracic disc herniation (TDH) is a very rare condition compared to cervical and lumbar disc herniation. Patients commonly attend rehabilitation programs after surgery, and the beneficial effects of rehabilitation for cervical and lumbar disc herniation have been reported. However, a postoperative rehabilitation program for patients with TDH has not yet been reported. This case report describes a postoperative rehabilitation program and chronological changes in physical function after surgery for TDH in a professional rugby player. We report the case of a 31-year-old male professional rugby player diagnosed with TDH at T1-T3 and ossification of the yellow ligament at T2-T3. It was difficult for the patient to walk because of the severe spasticity in the lower extremities. The patient underwent surgery to remove the ossified yellow ligament at T2-T3 and posterior thoracic interbody fusion (PTIF) at T1-T3. Rehabilitation programs such as joint mobilization and stability training were initiated after surgery. Spasticity gradually decreased, and the patient could walk unassisted three weeks after surgery and return to field training four months after surgery. This case report suggests that a postoperative rehabilitation program could be safely provided to patients with TDH in the early postoperative period, which may be effective in improving physical function.