Spine Surgery: What to Expect

Keep the incision clean and dry. Most children will have dissolvable sutures that will absorb as they heal. These sutures do not have to be removed. There may also be a special type of glue over the incision that will wash off over time as well.

Your surgeon will tell you if dressing changes need to be done. Often, the dressing is removed 5 days after surgery and the incision may be left uncovered. You can wash the incision with soap and water once the dressing is removed. Do not scrub the incision or put ointments on it.

Watch for any redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, drainage, sores, foul odor, or opening or separation of the incision. For one year after surgery, be sure to apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF before your child goes into the sun.

Smoking will interfere with bone healing. There should be no smoking in the house where your child lives. All smoking should be avoided. Being around smoke can delay wound healing after surgery and can increase the risk of your child’s spine not healing. This can increase the chance of the rods breaking and also lead to lung infections.

Your child will likely shower before they go home from the hospital. At that time, their dressing will often be removed if it has been 5 days since surgery. We recommend that your child not bathe, soak in a bathtub, or swim for at least 3 weeks after surgery. Your child may shower or get sponge baths until this time.

Encourage your child to eat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety for foods. Until your child’s appetite returns to normal, encourage high calorie foods (dairy products, meats, eggs, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Boost shakes, etc). Encourage fluids (water and fruit juices) and a high fiber diet (fruits, grains, vegetables) to help prevent constipation.

If your child is not getting enough fluids, they may feel dizzy. To prevent this, have your child drink lots of fluids. If your child is fed through a g-tube, resume home feeding schedule as tolerated.

Give any pain medications as directed by your child’s doctor. Giving pain medication 20 minutes before your child is active may help decrease discomfort. Pain medication will gradually be needed less as your child recovers.

Discuss the use of additional acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) after surgery with your orthopedic team.

There are ways to help with pain besides medicine. Help your child relax by taking deep breaths or listening to soothing music. Read a book or watch movies to distract them from their discomfort.

Taking a stool softener or laxative along with pain medications may help prevent constipation and discomfort. We recommend taking a daily stool softener or laxative until they are done taking pain medications.

Your child will become tired very easily in the first few weeks after coming home from the hospital.

Your child may be very uncomfortable and need help getting around.

Encourage your child to move slowly when getting up. Avoid sudden movements and do not allow your child to bend or twist their back.

Encourage your child to slowly increase their daily activities. This includes sitting a little longer in a chair or walking a little farther each day.

Encourage frequent rest periods during the day.

Have your child stand slowly and adjust to any changes in balance before walking.

Children or teens with conditions that do not allow them to walk should be positioned in a reclining wheelchair. Elevate the head of the chair as tolerated.

Please talk with your orthopedic team before starting a new activity! Your child should not do anything that will cause more than just a little pain.

Depending on your surgeon, your child may be scheduled for physical therapy after surgery.

Motions that make your child twist, bend at the waist, or are jarring may hurt at first. Encourage your child to bend their knees to stoop or reach something on the floor. This way, they use their leg muscles rather than their back muscles.

Your child should spend time doing school work at home as they are able. This will keep them from falling behind. Every child is different and should return to school at their own pace. Most children go back to attending school between 3-6 weeks after surgery. It may be better to return to school gradually, such as attending for a half day at first, then slowly increasing their time until they are there for the full day.

It’s important that your child avoid any heavy lifting. If your child’s book bag is too heavy, they should have a friend carry it for them. Your orthopedic team can also provide a note for two sets of books, one at home and one at school, to lighten their load.

Your child should remain out of gym class or school sports after surgery until their surgeon clears them to return.

Tell your child’s dentist or orthodontist about their spinal surgery. It is important that they know about any hardware that was put in your child’s spine. Discuss the possible use of antibiotics before a dentist or orthodontist visit.