Is a spinal fusion major surgery?

Surgery Overview Spinal fusion is major surgery, usually lasting several hours. There are different methods of spinal fusion. Bone is taken from the pelvic bone or from a bone bank. The bone is used to make a bridge between vertebrae that are next to each other.

How long does it take to walk after spinal fusion?

You’ll be encouraged to walk and move around the day after surgery and it’s likely you’ll be discharged 1 to 4 days afterwards. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function (this will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms before the operation).

What is life like after spinal fusion?

Recovery time for spinal fusion surgery varies significantly from patient to patient, but the average spans between three and six months before the patient is back to their daily routine; working, traveling, and even exercising with more freedom and less pain than they could before the surgery.

How long is hospital stay after spinal fusion?

Hospital recovery after a fusion surgery focuses on managing pain and learning how to move safely while the lumbar spinal fusion solidifies. solidifies. A hospital stay of between 2 and 4 days is typical.

How long do you wear a brace after spinal fusion?

Depending on the surgery and your general condition, you may only have to wear your back brace for two weeks or until your first post-op visit. Lumbar fusion surgery patients will have to wear their brace for a longer period of time, up to three months, especially as they return to work and to normal activities.

Do you get a catheter during spinal fusion surgery?

Your back will be washed before starting the surgery. The surgery usually takes about 4 hours, but you will be in the operating room a total of 4 to 5 hours. A tube, called a Foley catheter, is placed in your bladder while you are asleep.