Patient-s-Guide-to-Spine-Surgery-V1

Brace If you have been given a brace, wear it when up and about, until instructed otherwise by your surgeon. You may remove the brace for brief periods to shower and attend to personal hygiene, but remember to maintain your back in a neutral position and avoid any bending. You may remove your brace for sleep unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon. Incision Care

Keep the incision dry for 48 hours after surgery. You do not need to apply any ointment.

You do not need to keep the incision covered unless there is drainage from the incision.

Contact us if drainage persists for more than 2 days or if you have redness or swelling around the incision. Generally, your surgeon will use a skin adhesive (“glue”) on your skin. This adhesive requires no particular care, and to some extent functions as a dressing.

Do not pick at the glue; it will break down and flake off with time.

If you have sutures or staples, please ensure that you have an appointment to have them removed. Generally, sutures or staples are removed 10-14 days after the surgery is performed. If you have fevers or chills, take your temperature with a thermometer. If you have a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher, contact our office. Bathing You may occasionally and briefly wet your wound in the shower. After showering, gently blot your incisions dry with a soft towel.

Avoid soaking the incision (bath, swimming pool, etc.) for at least 3 weeks.