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HomeReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryPain and pain management Hospital stayRecovery and rehabilitation in the hospitalHospital dischargeConvalescent assistanceConclusion

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Spine Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Edited By: Jens R. Chapman, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, December 29, 2004

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Recovering from surgery

How much pain do patients usually have after spine surgery for rheumatoid arthritis for rheumatoid arthritis of the spine and what medications are used to manage it?

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.

After spine surgery for rheumatoid arthritis for rheumatoid arthritis of the spine, what happens in the hospital and when is the patient usually discharged?

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.

What is the recovery from spine surgery for rheumatoid arthritis for rheumatoid arthritis of the spine? What type of rehabilitation is started 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.

After spine surgery for rheumatoid arthritis for rheumatoid arthritis of the spine, what happens at hospital discharge and what are the patient's limitations at that time?

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.

What type of help do patients need after spine surgery for rheumatoid arthritis for rheumatoid arthritis of the spine and for how long? Can they go home or do they require a convalescent facility?

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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