After the operation
After a spondylodesis, the freshly operated wound naturally causes pain, whereas the doctors administer medication so that the patient is almost pain-free. In general, back pain is significantly better after a successful operation. Sometimes, however, pain may occur in the areas next to the fixed vertebrae, as these are more stressed.
Another risk of spondylodesis is that the vertebrae do not grow together properly and the remaining mobility of the spine causes the screws to loosen. In such cases, the back pain reoccurs.After the operation, the patient is transferred from the recovery room to the ward and monitored. Already one day after the operation the patient can get up and cover short distances.
A physiotherapist provides support and helps with gradual mobilization. In most cases, a spondylodesis involves a hospital stay of five to ten days. The stitches are removed by the family doctor after 10 to 14 days.
While the surgical wound heals and the fixed vertebral bodies fuse with the implant, patients must wear a corset or lumbar bodice for three months. After only a few days, the patient can start moving again and should take regular walks. After six weeks, light sports such as jogging or swimming can be resumed.
Through physiotherapy or a rehabilitation stay following the operation, the patient learns how to deal with the stiffened spine and how to cope with the limited range of motion. After 13 months the spine can be fully loaded again. More information on post-operative treatment can be found in the next article: General physiotherapyThe primary goal of spondylodesis is to improve the patient’s condition and quality of life after the operation.
Thanks to the new surgical techniques, the exact location of the implant can be calculated with millimeter precision before the operation and the procedure can be planned accordingly. This stabilizes the spinal column, reduces incorrect loading and the chances are high that patients will be free of complaints for a longer period of time after spondylodesis. Over 95% of operations are successful and the goal of spinal fusion is achieved.
By screwing two adjacent vertebral bodies together, the result is a limited range of motion of the spine, which patients first have to get used to. After several months, the vertebrae should have completely fused together and patients should be able to put full weight on the spine again. After the ossification of the fixed section is complete, the inserted screws and implants do not have to be removed again, but remain permanently in the back.
