Lumbar Fusion Post-Operative Instructions
You will go home with an LSO brace, you can wear this as needed for support.
You may shower when you get home if you have a waterproof dressing.
You may remove your dressing 72 hours after surgery-no other dressing is needed.
You have sutures that will dissolve under the skin.
You may eat as tolerated.
To avoid constipation, you may take stool softeners as directed when you get home, increase your water intake, and eat fiber rich foods.
Ice 2 to 3 times a day for 20 minutes. Place a barrier between the ice and the skin.
Do not sleep on your stomach. Always place a pillow under your head.
Do not bend, twist or lift for 90 days.
Do not submerge in water for 4 weeks. This includes bathtubs, pools, hot tubs, oceans and lakes.
Avoid driving until after your first post operative appointment. If still on opiate medications after this visit do not drive until you are off opiates.
Call the office to make a follow up appointment for 4 weeks after you are discharged from the hospital. At your follow up appointment, your activity will be increased, and a work release will be planned.
If you have a bone growth stimulator you should wear it four hours a day.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office (502) 909-0772.
Common Symptoms after Surgery
BACK PAIN: Back pain is expected after surgery. Utilize prescribed medications and ice as needed. This will help to ease pain but not take it away completely. Avoid prolonged sitting or lying down. It is important to get up and move around. Often this will help relieve pain.
NUMBNESS/TINGLING/BURNING: Leg pain, numbness and tingling can be related to your nerves healing following surgery. As you heal you may feel sensations such as pain, burning, numbness and tingling similarly to what you felt prior to surgery or in the opposite leg. If you experience new onset weakness please contact the office.
MUSCLE SPASMS: As you continue to heal following surgery and become more physically active flare ups in back pain and/or muscle spasms can be expected. You are utilizing your body and muscles in different ways to build strength. It is important to continue to walk and work with physical therapy (if recommended) even though you are sore. Continue to utilize your medications as prescribed and ice as needed.