PROCEDURES EXPLAINEDSpinal Realignment
Spinal realignment surgery is performed when the gravity line of the vertebral column must be restored to normal or near-normal. This is to relieve stress on the muscles of posture in the back, hips, and knees. Usually this requires one or more osteotomies, a procedure in which a cut is made into the bone to correct alignment. Several forms of osteotomy exist, such as pedicle subtraction or Smith-Peterson. In addition, discectomy may be performed, as well as spinal fusion. Most patients achieve satisfactory results from their surgeries, but patients with past surgeries are at a higher risk of less optimal outcomes.
What to Expect
- YYou will have an IV placed in your arm or hand for the delivery of anesthetic to put you into a deep sleep and prevent pain during your surgery.
- Your surgical team will usually consist of a vascular surgeon as well as an orthopedic or neurosurgeon. You may be lying on your front, side, or back, depending on the requirements of your surgical plan.
- Your surgeon will perform the procedures discussed for your condition.
- You will then be taken to a recovery area for close monitoring until you awaken. You will still have your IV, and may have a catheter to help facilitate urination while you recover. You may also have a sore throat from intubation. When you are fully alert and awake, you will then be returned to your hospital room.
Experiencing Symptoms of Spinal Realignment?
Common Risks and/or Frequently Asked Questions
Bleeding
Blood clots
Nerve damage
Return of symptoms
Infection
Post Procedural Instructions
- Activity Restriction
- Pain Management
- Incision Care
- Call if
- Desk jobs may be returned to in about 2 weeks, but others may require 4 weeks or more
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking narcotics
- Do not try to lift more than 10 pounds
- Do not smoke
- Walk as often as is comfortable on non-slippery surfaces
- Be mindful of body motion practices, as discussed with your physical therapist
- Post-procedural pain may last days to weeks as the inflammation subsides
- Do NOT take NSAIDs in the first few months following surgery, as they can interfere with the bone healing process
- Take your prescribed pain medication as recommended, and inform your care team if relief is inadequate. It is normal to feel some degree of pain during the recovery process, but it should not be excruciating.
- Unless otherwise stated, your incisions are most likely sutured from the inside.
- Dressings may be removed about 48 hours after surgery, and incisions should be washed with soap and water
- Do NOT soak the incision site, baths, hot tubs, and pools should be avoided for 2-3 weeks until the wounds have fully healed
- Sunblock with SPF 30 or greater may be used to protect healing skin from discoloration, as new skin will lack the sun protectant pigment melanin
- Fever of 101.5 F or greater
- Redness, swelling, warmth around the incision site
- New neurological symptoms, such as weakness or loss of sensation that was not present before
- Loss of bowel or bladder control that is new
- Severe Pain
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Severe Headaches
- Calf Swelling, as this may be a sign of thrombosis
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or cough
Common
Recovery Timeline
Recovery timelines vary greatly according to the location and extent of surgery, but most can expect to be discharged from the hospital within a few days. Follow-up visits at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months will typically be made to evaluate the progress of healing. Most patients are able to resume all activities by the 6 month mark.
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