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Spinal Fusion Discharge Instructions


About this topic


A spinal fusion permanently joins two or more bones in the spine together. Then, there is no movement between them anymore. It is used to treat long-term pain and disability caused by: ‚  
  • Narrowing of the canal where the spinal cord runs through or narrowing of the openings where the spinal nerves exit the spine. These are both kinds of spinal stenosis.
  • Spinal injury or broken bone
  • A spinal bone or vertebra that is out of line with the others. This is spondylolisthesis.
  • An abnormal curve in the spine. This is scoliosis.
  • Weak or unstable spine, most often due to infection or tumor
  • Wear and tear on the discs in between the spinal bones. This is called degenerative disc disease or DDD.
  • Herniated disc

People who have a spinal fusion have often tried many other treatments. Some of them are physical therapy and drugs. These have not worked to get rid of the pain and disability. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Move your legs while in bed. This will help to prevent blood clots. Ask your doctor about leg exercises that you can do.
  • Wear your brace as ordered by your doctor. If you are allowed to remove it for showering, avoid any twisting or sudden movements.
  • Your doctor will teach you the proper ways to move to protect the spine. Ask about twisting and turning.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
    • When you should change your bandages
    • When you may take a bath or shower
    • If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
    • When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex
  • Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks. You also may need to have more x-rays.
  • You will need to see a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises to help you get back your strength and motion.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Prevent infection
  • Prevent blood clots
  • Help with other problems you may have like trouble sleeping or hard stools

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. You will need to wear a brace to keep your spine from moving until your doctor tells you to stop. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Trouble breathing
  • Incomplete fusion of the bones
  • Blood clots
  • Spinal cord or nerve damage
  • Neck or back stiffness
  • Graft does not take
  • Hardware failure
  • Need for more surgery in the future
  • Problems with bowel or bladder function

When do I need to call the doctor?


Go to the ER right away if you have: ‚  
  • Sudden shortness of breath, sudden onset of chest pain, breathing problems, pain or tenderness in your calf

Call your doctor if you have: ‚  
  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine or not able to pass urine.
  • Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
  • Very bad pain
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing liquids
  • Weakness or numbness
  • Problem with walking, standing, or moving
  • Problem passing urine or loss of bowel or bladder control

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my procedure.
  • I can tell you how to care for my cut site.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever or swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have problems walking, standing, or moving or problems with my bowels or bladder.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚  
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00348 ‚  
North America Spine Society Public Education Series ‚  
http://www.spine.org/Documents/fusion_2006.pdf ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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