Spine Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Edited By: Jens R. Chapman, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, December 29, 2004
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Recovering from surgeryPain and pain management Typically, the first two days after surgery can be quite painful to
patients with spine fusion surgery. Therefore patients are usually
given intravenous patient controlled analgesia machines. These
programmable machines supply pain medication to a patient
automatically, yet allow the patient to add further doses if needed
within safe limits. After the first 2 days patients usually require
oral pain medication for 2 to 12 weeks.Hospital stay Patients with complex spine surgery or multiple medical problems
usually are observed in an Intensive Care Unit for 1-2 days. A hospital
stay of 3-7 days is usually necessary.
Recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital Patients are usually mobilized into an upright position or even out
of the bed towards the end of the Intensive Care Unit stay. Patients
are returned to most regular activities of daily living within 3 – 5
days.
Hospital discharge Spine fusion patients are usually asked to wear a supportive and
protective neck brace for 2-3 months after surgery. These braces should
usually be worn around the clock. We strongly recommend an early return
to a light aerobic conditioning program.Convalescent assistance We recommend help with showering, domestic maintenance, such as
cooking and utilization of a driver for a minimum of 3 weeks, sometimes
more.
Surgery for Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-BONE (2663) to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA
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