Preparation and Home Care Instructions for Scoliosis Surgery

As you prepare for scoliosis surgery and plan for your recovery, you will have many questions.  The staff at Scoliosis Associates will ensure that you are prepared and will give you specific instructions for your situation.  However, the following outline may help you better understand the preparation, care, and post-op recovery for scoliosis surgery.

Total care for scoliosis surgery

ADMISSION: You are admitted to the hospital on the day of the surgery.

SURGERY: Dr. Lonner performs the entire procedure. Residents and fellows act as assistants only.

BLOOD: Blood Donation Program patients donate their own blood. Family members may donate blood also. The Cell Saver is used during surgery so the collected blood is immediately returned to the patient. Finally, blood pressure is lowered during surgery to minimize blood loss.

MEDICATION: Aspirin, Motrin, lbuprofen and all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication must be stopped 1 week prior to surgery and for a minimum of 3 months after surgery. Tylenol may be taken.

SMOKING: Smoking impairs bone healing and fusion. Therefore, you must be committed to stop 2 months prior and for a minimum of 6 months post operatively. Of course we hope you quit permanently.

SPINAL CORD MONITORING: There will be a physician whose sole responsibility is to continuously monitor your spinal cord throughout the procedure. This is done to help prevent paralysis which is extremely rare.

INCISION: You will have no skin stitches. We provide you with a tight skin closure, which leaves the thinnest possible scar.

SUTURES: Sutures are absorbed by the body as a natural substance. It is therefore not necessary to remove them.

ANESTHESIA: Experienced anesthesiologists are present in the operating room during the surgery. These physicians routinely give anesthesia for our patients having scoliosis surgery.

OXYGEN: A pulse oximeter is used throughout the surgery to ensure that there is 100 percent oxygen saturation throughout the body.

PAIN-PCA: Patient Controlled Analgesia - By pressing a button, you are able to give yourself pain medication immediately, as you need it, through your intravenous line. You do not have to wait for a nurse to bring you your scheduled injections.

INFECTION: Antibiotics are given before, during, and after the surgery to control and limit the possibility of infection.

FAMILY STAY: There are no restrictions on parental visiting. We encourage one family member to stay with the patient and sleep-in. A bed is provided.

RESPIRATORY: Respiratory exercises are given before and after surgery.

NURSES: You will also receive nursing care from our specially trained staff nurses at the hospital. Nursing protocols have been established by us.

HOSPITAL & STAFF: Our hospitals and staff enjoy a growing reputation as specialized treatment centers for scoliosis. The staff is highly experienced in the specific care and treatment of patients with scoliosis.

WALKING: Physical therapy is provided. You may get out of bed anytime during the first three days after the operation and begin to walk with assistance.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: Each patient is a special individual. For the most part, we are dealing with young people, who have never been placed in a critical medical environment. We are very aware of their fears and their need to be taken through the presurgical and recuperative phases with emotional support. We view this as essential for a successful total result.

DISCHARGE: As soon as you are fully ambulatory, you may be discharged from the hospital. This occurs from the 4th to the 7th post operative day. You may travel home in a car.

HOSPITALIZATION SCHEDULE: This chart is provided as a guideline only. These events may vary for each individual.

Homecare following scoliosis surgery

DISCHARGE: You may travel home from hospital by car.

CAR: Sit in the front passenger seat using the shoulder and lap seat belts. Reclining may be more comfortable than sitting upright. Keep car riding to a minimum.

TOILET: Use a regular toilet seat.

SHOWER: Shower as necessary after 7 days from the date of surgery. Wash hair in shower. You must have an accompanying adult during this process. All dressings can be removed before showering. Allow the steri-strips to fall off on their own.

WOUND: The wound should be clean, without drainage. If drainage is noted, please call the office. Special dressings are not necessary.

WALKING: Walk as tolerated. There are no limitations.

SITTING: You may sit as long as necessary; this includes sitting for a home tutor

BENDING: Squat to pick things up. Avoid bending and stretching or sleeping on stomach.

STAIRS: Climb as necessary, with regular steps.

RETURN VISIT: One month from the date of discharge. Make your appointment immediately upon returning home.

SCHOOL: Start home tutor immediately upon returning home; the date you may return to school is determined at your first office visit. Request two sets of books. No gym class for approximately six months from date of surgery. Use the school bus.

WORK: The date of your return to work will be made at the time of your first visit. Individual evaluation is necessary.

PAIN: You will be given a prescription to control pain. If pain persists, please call our office. Please do not take any anti-inflammatory medication such as Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Voltaren, etc. as this may interfere with bone healing and fusion.

FOOD: Regular diet. You may sit for meals. It is very important to maintain a diet high in protein (fish, meat, chicken, milk, eggs) to enhance the healing process.

BRACE: Most patients do not need a brace. If you do require a brace, this will be determined prior to your discharge. A brace is generally needed only when you are out of bed and is worn for 1-4 months.

SMOKING: The use of tobacco products interferes with bone healing and fusion. The vast majority of our patients, particularly in the pediatric population do not smoke. If you are a smoker, you must quit prior to surgery so as not to interfere with a successful outcome of surgery.

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