Posterior Spinal Fusion Post-Operation Instructions
What is Posterior Spinal Fusion?
A posterior spinal fusion (PSF) is usually combined with an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) or oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLLIF) in most cases. Through a minimally invasive approach, X-ray guidance is used to identify the appropriate level(s), and two 1.5-2-inch vertical incisions on either side of the spine are made. Bone needles, surgical wire, and soft tissue dilators are used to gently divide the soft tissues. Next, the screws are fixed into the back of the spine and 2 rods are placed vertically to integrate the screws and prevent motion at that level. After this, the instruments are removed, and the wound is closed with stitches underneath the skin. Skin glue, skin tapes, and a gauze dressing are applied to the top of the incision. For many patients, this is an inpatient procedure, meaning you will stay overnight at the hospital and can go home the next day.
What’s Normal After Surgery?🆗
- Back Pain: Achiness or back pain is very common after surgery. However, if your pain is severe and not well-managed with acetaminophen and prescription pain medication, please call the office.
- Buttock or Leg Pain, Numbness, or Tingling: Many patients experience buttock or leg pain, numbness, or tingling prior to a spinal fusion. It is common for these symptoms to temporarily worsen following surgery. Many times, this is because of postoperative inflammation, swelling, or remnants of nerve irritation from prior to surgery. Please let us know if these symptoms gradually worsen or are not improving after a few days.
- Sore Throat, Hoarse Voice, or Difficulty Swallowing: The tube to help you breathe during the surgery can cause a scratchy or sore throat or difficulty swallowing for a few days.
What’s Not Normal After Surgery?🚫
- Sudden onset severe headache or a headache that is positional.
- New onset bowel or bladder dysfunction.
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or inability to swallow.
- Unilateral extremity swelling, warmth, and/or redness.
- Fever/chills, purulent incisional drainage, and/or expanding redness around the incision(s).
**If you have any of the above, call the office & consult with the emergency department immediately.
Posterior Spinal Fusion Appointments
Follow-up after surgery begins 1-2 days after surgery when you receive a phone call or text message from Dr. Hanson checking in on how you are doing. Approximately 7 days later our office staff will contact you to answer any questions. You will meet with Dr. Hanson approximately 2 weeks after surgery. This will be done via telehealth or in the office. This information is listed on your original surgery confirmation letter that was given to you.
Once the steri-strips have fallen off the surgical site, please send a picture of your incision to 612-670-4971 via text or you may email it to [email protected].
You will have post-operative X-rays 4-6 weeks post-op. The results will be sent to Dr. Hanson and the office staff will call you to set up a time to speak with Dr. Hanson regarding the imaging. Our office staff will also help arrange obtaining the X-rays when that time comes.
In addition, you will also have X-ray imaging performed at 4 months; at that time, you will be scheduled to come into the clinic to review the images with Dr. Hanson. The last set of imaging will be 1 year from the date of your surgery. Our office will also help arrange obtaining the X-rays prior to each visit
Posterior Spinal Fusion Restrictions
After surgery, limit lifting, pushing, and pulling to 10-20 pounds as tolerated for the first 2 weeks. Specifically, limit lifting & twisting together for the first 4-6 months. After surgery, start a walking program to increase your activity and aerobic endurance. After two weeks, your provider will work with you to gradually increase your restrictions to return you to a more normal and active life. We encourage you to increase the amount you walk each day postoperatively.
🖨️Save these instructions after your surgery and print them for easy reference.
Posterior Spinal Fusion Frequently Asked Questions
When Can I Go Back to Work?
We will reassess if you can go back to work 1-2 weeks after surgery. If your job requires heavy lifting or requires you to be full duty prior to going back to work, we will modify your restrictions accordingly.
Can I Take Narcotic Pain Medication Prior to Surgery?
You can take pain medication prior to surgery, but please use it with caution. The dose and quantity you require prior to surgery can affect your recovery period after surgery. Patients who require high amounts of narcotic pain medication prior to surgery, have a more difficult time managing their postoperative pain. Preoperative narcotic pain medication will generally not be prescribed prior to surgery. Please consult with your primary care provider if you think you require narcotic pain medication to manage your pain prior to surgery.
What Postoperative Medications are Prescribed?
Two prescription medications will be provided to you after your surgery. These include pain medication and a muscle relaxer. The specific medication itself is patient-specific and will be determined by Dr. Hanson at the time of surgery. One additional medication may be prescribed for some patients, this is an antibiotic for 2 days. If you stayed overnight at the hospital after your surgery, you will have already received enough doses of the antibiotic intravenously.
What if I need Medication Refills?
For medication refills, please call the office at 612-670-4971. Kindly allow 72 hours for us to refill the requested prescription. If you require longer management of your pain, we will help find the right solution.
How Long Should the Skin Tapes be Left on (Incision Care)?
The skin tapes should be left on for 2 weeks or until they fall off. The stitches are underneath the skin and will dissolve, so you will not need them removed.
What are Common Signs of Infection?
Monitor your incisions daily to ensure they are healing properly. Common signs of infection include fever and/or chills, purulent discharge from the incision, warmth on or near the incision, expanding redness coming from the incision site, and incisional pain. Although these signs are rare, please contact the office if you experience any of these signs.
When Can I Bathe?
You can shower the day after surgery. But avoid scrubbing or soaking the incision, this includes hot tubs and swimming.
Should I Wear a Brace?
In most cases, wearing a brace after surgery is not necessary.
Should I Use Ice or Heat?
Ice is the best option after surgery. Use an ice pack for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes & repeat. Do not put the ice pack on bare skin – it can cause frostbite! While heat might feel great at first, it actually increases fluid in the area and can worsen inflammation and swelling after surgery.
Will I Need Physical or Chiropractic Therapy?
Most patients do well on their own and are able to get back to their normal activities without therapy. Some patients may require physical therapy to aid in regaining their strength. Those who have heavy lifting requirements at work/home may need their exercises adjusted to help them return to an active life.
When Can I Drive?
You should not drive after taking prescription pain medication.
What Factors Delay the Healing Process?
Smoking, tobacco use, diabetes, poor general health, advanced age, and/or obesity can increase your risk of delayed healing. Although some of these risks are unavoidable, quitting smoking or stopping tobacco use and keeping your diabetes under control can help to reduce your risk of delayed healing. Anti-inflammatories should be avoided for at least the first 4 months following surgery.