Understanding Post-Operative Care for Thoracic-Lumbar Fusion and Spinal Deformity

Thoracic and lumbar spinal issues, including herniations and fractures, can significantly impact a person’s health. The rehabilitation process following a Posterior Thoracic-Lumbar Fusion (Spinal Deformity) surgery is intricate and vital for recovery. This protocol includes specific post-operative guidelines such as no NSAIDs for 6 months, refraining from driving while on narcotics, a prohibition on scar mobilization for 3 months, and the importance of smoking cessation education. Additionally, patients are advised against engaging in jogging, running, or horseback riding for 6 months, with the acknowledgment that recovery rates vary among individuals.

A herniated disc, whether it occurs in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region, can cause pain that radiates to various parts of the body, like the shoulder, arm, hip, or leg. Injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine, which comprise fractures to the middle and lower vertebrae, can lead to back pain, numbness, paralysis, and other symptoms. For effective recovery, patients are encouraged to walk around their house every 1½-2 hours while awake. This activity helps maintain back muscle strength and prevent blood clots in the legs. As comfort with walking increases, the amount or length of walking can be gradually enhanced.

Each vertebra in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine shares a similar structure, with two main components: the vertebral body, a solid cylindrical segment providing strength and stability, and the spinal column. Lumbar and Cervical Spondylosis, a common condition in the elderly but also affecting younger people, can cause symptoms like stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, or between the shoulder blades.

For patients with blunt trauma or suspected spinal injury, a CT scan of the entire spine is recommended, especially if there are factors like altered consciousness or high-energy impact. Spinal fusion, which can be performed at any level of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral), may sometimes extend to the base of the skull in cases of instability or weakness, known as occipito-cervical fusion.

For more information, refer to the detailed protocols and guidelines from the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State Universityhere, and learn more about spinal conditions and treatments from the Neurosurgery department at Columbia Universityhere.