Spinal Fusion- Thoraic
Thoracic spinal fusion is performed to join vertebrae (2 or more bones) so that the movement between them could be stopped. To stabilise the spine, screws and rods are inserted during a thoracic spinal fusion. If the spine needs to be fixed in place due to a deformity, an injury, pain, or another reason, surgery may be required. The lamina bone, which covers the back of the spinal column and is causing tightness around the spinal cord or nerve, is removed whole or in part during surgery (s). This aids in reducing localised irritation or inflammation. The surgeon may also remove disc material or arthritic changes that are putting pressure on the nerve roots. Following this stage of the treatment, the surgeon fixes the spine in place with screws and rods.
Most patients spend 3-5 days in the hospital. You must be able to:
- Manage your discomfort with oral painkillers before you may return home.
- Go to the bathroom on your own.
- Stand up and stroll about.
You might need to stay in the hospital longer if you are unable to perform these activities or if your surgery is causing you any complications. You can learn proper body mechanics for getting in and out of bed from a physical therapist. You might bring a walker or other household furnishings with you.
Activities to Avoid:
- Lift no more than 5 to 10 pounds (about the weight of a gallon of milk).
- Do not lift anything if doing so might put tension on your back muscles.
- If you must lift or carry anything, keep it close to your body, and if you must bend, use your knees rather than your back. Your lower back will experience less stress as a result.
- Until your back has fully recovered after surgery, avoid doing any running or jogging, vacuuming, laundry, riding a lawn mower, wave runner, or other activities that could aggravate it.
- After surgery, avoid driving for at least two weeks.
- If you have taken prescription painkillers or muscle relaxants for more than two weeks, avoid operating a vehicle. You might feel sleepy after using these drugs. As soon as you can drive, be sure you can look over your shoulder without getting hurt. Till your follow-up appointment in 4-6 weeks, abide by these restrictions.
- Please keep in mind that your muscles and nerves need time to repair. Even though it’s not typical, you can experience total pain relief right away following surgery. Do not engage in any activity that can aggravate your neck while you are healing.
Activity:
- To stay as active as possible, maintain the strength of your back muscles, and avoid blood clots in your legs, walk around your home at least once every hour or two while you are awake.
- Once you feel at ease walking, you can gradually increase the distance or duration of your walks.
- Avoid overextending yourself too soon. Overdoing the pain will actually make your recuperation take longer.
- Avoid staying in one posture for extended amounts of time throughout the day, such as lying down, standing, or sitting. Stop doing anything that makes your pain worse right away
- Washing and wound care: It’s crucial to wash your surgical wounds with soap and water at least once a day and to pat them dry afterward.
- Do not be concerned that the soap and water will irritate the wound. Instead of baths, you should take showers.
- Never immerse the wound in water of any kind. If there isn’t any leakage from the incision and a doctor hasn’t told you to, don’t keep the wound covered.
Additional Symptoms and Signs
Constipation: Your pain medications, decreased activity following surgery, and constipation are all potential side effects. It’s critical that you urinate frequently. For a diet that promotes regular bowel motions, speak with our doctor.
Consult doctor if you have any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Your incision’s surrounding skin becomes increasingly red or swollen, with or without any tenderness.
- Your incision’s margins start to separate.
- Excretion of mucus from your incision, particularly if it is yellow, green, or pungent.
- 102°F or higher fever
- Increased or unexpected bruising that was not previously seen near the incision
- Uncontrollable pain that is becoming worse
