POST SCOLIOSIS SURGERY REHABILITATION

(UJJWAL K DEBNATH, CONSULTANT SPINE SURGEON, KOLKATA)

For the first 6 weeks after surgery:

• No driving.  Make sure to wear your seatbelt.
• Surgery may cause irregular menstrual cycles.
• Take pain medication as prescribed.  Your need for pain medication will gradually lessen.  No non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for 1 month.  You may use Paracetamol once you are done taking your prescription pain medications.

For the first 6 months after surgery:

• No sports or PE.
• No lifting greater than 5-10 pounds.  A gallon of milk weighs about 5 pounds.
• No lying on your stomach.
• No bending, stooping, or twisting.
• No dental work.

It is important you follow your restrictions to heal properly.

You may return to school in 2-4 weeks depending on how you feel.  You should ask your school to provide you with an extra set of your school books to have at home.  You will not be able to lift/carry a book bag.

Walk for exercise as tolerated, gradually increasing the pace and distance. Continue leg and ankle exercises.

Your first return appointment will be about 6 weeks after your discharge from the hospital, then at 6 months, and one year after surgery. Then yearly visits after that. It is important that you return for your scheduled appointments.

If any of the following problems occur after surgery, please notify your doctor:

• Fever or chills
• Redness, warmth, or foul smelling drainage at the surgical site
• Increase in pain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs
• Change in bowel or bladder control