Spine Surgery Follow-Up Care Each Surgery is Different!
Lumbar:
Endoscopic Laser Assisted Discectomy: These surgeries can be done on an out-patient bases at Center for Minimally Invasive Spine. The most important thing to remember when you go hove is NO BLT, Bending, Lifting, Twisting. The best post op therapy for you is walking. You will go home with TED hose, wearing these helps prevent blood clots from forming. You should wear these for the first two weeks post op. Your first post op exam with us will be in the office 14 days after surgery. The wound will be checked and if there are any sutures or staples, they will be removed at this time. Your second post op visit will be six weeks from the date of your surgery, we will assess your progress, get you in to formal therapy, and depending on the amount of pain medication you are using, we may let you begin to drive. Safety is the most important issue to consider.
Laminectomy and Discectomy: These surgeries can be done on an out-patient bases, meaning you will go home the same day, or depending on the surgery and your general physical condition, you may remain overnight. The most important thing to remember when you go home is NO BLT, Bending, Lifting, Twisting. The best post op therapy for you is walking. You will leave the hospital with TED hose, wearing these helps prevent blood clots. You should wear these for the first two weeks post op. Your first post op exam with us will be in the office 14 days after surgery. The wound will be checked and if there are any sutures or staples, they will be removed at this time. Your second post op visit will be six weeks from the date of your surgery, we will assess your progress, get you in to formal therapy, and depending on the amount of pain medication you are using, we may let you begin to drive. Safety is the most important issue to consider.
Decompressive Laminectomy: This procedure is done on an inpatient basis and depending on the extent of the surgery and your physical condition, the stay in the hospital could be 2 to 4 days. The most important thing when you go home is NO BLT, Bending, Lifting, Twisting. Walking is the best post op therapy. You will leave the hospital with TED hose, wearing these helps prevent blood clots. You should wear these for the first two weeks post op. Your first post op exam with us will be in the office 14 days after surgery. The wound will be checked and if there are any sutures or staple, they will be removed at this time. Your second post op visit will be six weeks from the date of your surgery, we will assess your progress, get you in to formal therapy, and depending on the amount of pain medication you are using, we may let you begin to drive. Depending on your job and physical condition, we may allow you to return to work.
Laminectomy and Posterior Spinal Fusion with Hardware: This is done on an impatient basis. Typically the patient is in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, including the day of the surgery. The most important thing when you go home is NO BLT, Bending, Lifting, Twisting. Walking is the best post op therapy. You will leave the hospital with TED hose, wearing these helps prevent blood clots. You should wear these for the first two weeks post op. Your first post op visit will be in the office 14 days after surgery to check your wound. Your second post op visit will be six weeks from the date of the surgery and we will take x-rays at that time. After this you will have follow-up appointments every 4 to 8 weeks depending on your progress, during each of these visits, you will have an x-ray. During this time you need to wear your brace, typically the brace is worn for 2 to 6 months, and even with the brace NO BLT, Bending, Lifting, Twisting. We encourage walking as your therapy. During this 2 to 6 month period we will slowly progress you into formal therapy and out of your brace. Depending on the amount of pain medication you are using, we may let you begin to drive and depending on your job and physical condition, we may allow you to return to work.
Care of your incision is the prime issue in minimizing infection. It is important that a dressing remain on the incision for at least 10 days after surgery, with no immerging in water for at least 3 weeks. Any drainage should be reported to Minimally Invasive Spine staff immediately.
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