Watch Dr. Sarraj explain
After your surgery
Your postoperative protocol
Dr. Sarraj’s instructions for activity, medicines, wound care and follow-up. Your hospital discharge instructions and individual care plan take priority.
Posterior thoracic fusion
Fusion through the back of the middle spine.
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What the operation involves
The thoracic spine is the part of the spine connected to the ribs. Surgery through the back may relieve pressure on the spinal cord and use screws, rods and bone graft to support the treated levels while they fuse. The reason for surgery and the number of levels vary.
Recovery
Download the posterior thoracic fusion protocol above for the activity table, wound care, medicines and follow-up. Start short, frequent walks as soon as it is safe and build up gradually during the first six weeks. Dr. Sarraj does not routinely prescribe a brace after thoracic fusion.
Follow the hospital wound instructions. Sutures may need to be removed at the two-week follow-up. If the operation was for a fracture, infection or tumour, any additional treatment plan remains important.
Pain and nerve symptoms
Soreness through the back is common. Pain may become more noticeable as the nerve block used during surgery wears off, including around two or three days after surgery. The duration varies. Tingling, sharp shooting pains or a temporary flare of nerve pain can also occur as nerves recover.
These symptoms should be considered alongside your strength, walking and bladder or bowel function. New or worsening weakness or other warning signs need assessment.
Risks and warning signs
Risks include infection, bleeding, spinal fluid leakage, nerve or spinal cord injury, implant problems and failure of fusion.
Go to an emergency department for new or worsening leg weakness, new difficulty walking, numbness around the groin, difficulty passing urine or loss of bladder or bowel control. Call 911 for chest pain or sudden breathlessness. Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, wound drainage or redness, or pain not controlled by your discharge plan.
Questions for your appointment
- What is the main goal of this treatment for me?
- Which symptoms are likely to improve, and which may remain?
- What are the alternatives and the risks of waiting?
- What help will I need at home, and when can I return to my usual activities?
Educational information to support your consultation. The options, risks, and recovery described here may differ from your individual plan. Contact your treating team about new or changing symptoms.