Our Summary

This study looked at the outcomes of two different discharge methods after back surgery for patients with severe cerebral palsy (CP). One group of patients was discharged using a traditional method, while the other group was discharged more quickly using a new method. The results showed that the patients who were discharged more quickly stayed in the hospital for about a day less than the others. They also seemed to have fewer complications, especially lung issues, although the difference wasn’t big enough to be sure it wasn’t due to chance. The study concludes that discharging these patients more quickly after surgery seems to be safe and could potentially improve their care. However, this fast-track discharge method might not be suitable for all patients.

FAQs

  1. What were the two different discharge methods used in the study for patients with severe cerebral palsy (CP)?
  2. How did the outcomes differ between the traditional and the new discharge methods after spinal fusion surgery?
  3. Is the fast-track discharge method suitable for all patients who have undergone back surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal fusion is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include wearing a brace, avoiding certain activities, and attending physical therapy sessions. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support the healing process and overall spinal health. Lastly, it is important to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal fusion are those who have conditions such as:

  1. Degenerative disc disease
  2. Scoliosis
  3. Spinal stenosis
  4. Herniated discs
  5. Spinal fractures
  6. Spondylolisthesis
  7. Spinal tumors
  8. Failed back surgery syndrome

These patients may be experiencing severe back pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, difficulty walking, or other symptoms that are not responding to conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication. Spinal fusion surgery is often recommended to stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and improve overall function and quality of life.

Timeline

Before spinal fusion:

  1. Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine the need for spinal fusion surgery.
  2. Patient may undergo pre-operative testing, such as blood work and imaging studies.
  3. Patient meets with their surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
  4. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight, to improve surgical outcomes.
  5. Patient undergoes spinal fusion surgery, which typically lasts several hours.
  6. Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for a few days following surgery.

After spinal fusion:

  1. Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the days and weeks following surgery.
  2. Patient begins physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the spine.
  3. Patient may need to wear a brace or support device to aid in the healing process.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  5. Over time, patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience improved function and reduced pain in the spine.
  6. Patient continues to follow a rehabilitation plan to ensure long-term success of the spinal fusion surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is spinal fusion surgery and why is it recommended for me?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with spinal fusion surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of spinal fusion surgery for patients with my specific condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after spinal fusion surgery?
  5. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for spinal fusion surgery?
  7. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  8. What limitations or restrictions will I have after the surgery?
  9. How long is the recovery period and when can I expect to return to normal activities?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to ensure the best outcome?

Reference

Authors: Bellaire LL, Bruce RW Jr, Ward LA, Bowman CA, Fletcher ND. Journal: Spine Deform. 2019 Sep;7(5):804-811. doi: 10.1016/j.jspd.2019.02.002. PMID: 31495482