Recovery after minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery
Recovery after minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/shutterstock_165818525-846x564-1.jpg 846 564 Phoenix Spine & Joint https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/shutterstock_165818525-846x564-1.jpgPeople with back pain have many options for treatment. Most people can treat their back pain at home with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, moist heat and rest. Others may need to visit a therapist for treatment or spinal manipulation. Then there are the ones with severe back pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks. In these cases, surgery is usually necessary.
One of the main drawbacks of surgery is that it’s invasive and requires a lot of time for recovery. However, not all surgeries are this way. One frequently performed back surgery, spinal fusion, is available at some healthcare facilities as a minimally invasive option.
What is minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery?
The objective of spinal fusion surgery is to fuse two or more spinal joints together to help provide better support for your spine. This can reduce pressure off the nerves in your spine or correct misalignment issues.
Traditional spinal fusion surgery requires cutting through muscles and soft tissue. This can be painful during recovery, which lasts weeks to months.
Minimally invasive spinal fusion requires a much smaller incision directly over your spine. This incision does minimal damage your muscles and soft tissue, so it’s much better for your recovery. Minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery also causes less blood loss and has a one thousand fold lower risk for infection.
How long does it take to recover from minimally invasive spinal fusion?
Everyone is different, so recovery times vary with each person who undergoes the procedure. Depending on what the surgeon needs to do in your case, minimally invasive spinal fusion takes no more than two hours. You’ll need a little more time afterward to recover from the anesthesia.
Most of our patients at Phoenix Spine & Joint are able to return home the same day after their minimally invasive spinal fusion.
To experience the best possible recovery, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions. He or she may give you instructions for exercises and stretches to help you recover well. You also need to look out for signs of infection or spinal fluid leak, which can include:
- Redness and swelling
- Leaking from the incision
- A fever higher than 101.5 degrees
- Shakes or chills
Fortunately, we have a nearly zero percent infection rate at Phoenix Spine & Joint. Our team strives hard to make sure our patients have the best results possible from their surgeries.
Are you living with back pain that may be treatable by spinal fusion surgery? Contact our team today to talk to one of our care coordinators or to schedule a free second opinion.
