Post-operative

Lumbar Fusion Post-operative Instructions

Incision care

1. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for the incisions and underlying muscle to heal. The incisions have deep sutures that will be absorbed by your body. There are instances where the absorbable incisions will emerge from under the skin, this is generally not a concern unless there is surrounding swelling or pain
2. The outer most portion of the incision is covered in a glue like substance that will flake off over 5-7 days
3. You may shower post op day 1-3 with the incision covered. 4 days after surgery you may shower with the incision uncovered but do not allow incision to soak. No hot tubs, or baths, or swimming for 4 weeks
4. Call if the incision develops redness, becomes painful or develops swelling. Call if you develop a fever greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit

Activity

1. 10lbs is the weight restriction for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
2. No repetitive bending twisting or lifting. You may bend but always in a slow deliberate fashion.
3. You may walk as much as you can tolerate, but walk on surfaces without an incline.
4. Your post operative visit will be 10-14 days after surgery, at this time your restrictions may be modified.
5. We will give you a prescription for physical therapy to begin 4-6 weeks after surgery. You will receive this prescription on the day of your post op appointment.
6. Prolonged bed rest is not beneficial to post operative recovery.
7. Alternate activity every 20 minutes, this applies to sitting or standing. You may walk longer than 20 minutes but only if it is easily tolerated.

Medications

1. You may resume all of your pre-operative medications EXCEPT non steroidal anti-inflammatories. These include aleve, celebrex, ibuprofen, mobic, etc. Call your pharmacist if you are not sure if your medication contains a non steroidal anti-inflammatory. If you are on aspirin therapy for a heart condition, you may resume your aspirin regimen immediately following surgery.
2. You may take Tylenol for pain relief.
3. You will be given prescriptions for pain as well as a muscle relaxer. It is important that you only receive you pain medications from us. Please call for refills Monday through Thursday and allow up to 48 hours for the refill request.

Lumbar Discectomy and Lumbar Decompression and Verterbroplasty

Incision care

1. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for the incisions and underlying muscle to heal. The incisions have deep sutures that will be absorbed by your body. There are instances where the absorbable incisions will emerge from under the skin, this is generally not a concern unless there is surrounding swelling or pain.
2. The outer most portion of the incision is covered in a glue like substance that will flake off over 5-7 days.
3. You may shower post op day 1-3 with the incision covered. 4 days after surgery you may shower with the incision uncovered but do not allow incision to soak. No hot tubs, or baths, or swimming for 4 weeks.
4. Call if the incision develops redness, becomes painful or develops swelling. Call if you develop a fever greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Activity

1. 10lbs is the weight restriction for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
2. No repetitive bending twisting or lifting. You may bend but always in a slow deliberate fashion.
3. You may walk as much as you can tolerate, but walk on surfaces without an incline.
4. Your post operative visit will be 10-14 days after surgery, at this time your restrictions will be modified.
5. We will give you a prescription for physical therapy to begin 4-6 weeks after surgery. You will receive this prescription on the day of your post op appointment.
6. Prolonged bed rest is not beneficial to post operative recovery.
7. Alternate activity every 20 minutes, this applies to sitting or standing. You may walk longer than 20 minutes but only if it is easily tolerated.
8. For lumbar discectomies, you are at increased risk of re-herniation for 3 months after surgery. At your 1st post operative visit we will discuss your activity restrictions going forward.

Medications

1. You may resume all of your pre-operative medications
2. You will be given prescriptions for pain as well as a muscle relaxer. It is important that you only receive you pain
medications from us. Please call for refills Monday through Thursday and allow up to 48 hours for the refill request.