Spine Surgery

Summit Orthopedics emphasizes a conservative approach to spine care, recommending nonsurgical treatments whenever possible. However, surgery may be necessary for some conditions and injuries. If your specialist recommends spine surgery to treat your back or neck pain, our fellowship-trained surgeons have advanced training and expertise in leading-edge procedures.

About Spine Surgery

Some of the most common conditions that may require surgery include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis and spinal fractures. Many procedures are a variation on spinal fusion surgery or spinal decompression surgery. 

• Spinal fusion surgery: Also known as spinal arthrodesis, this procedure involves the surgical fusion of spinal vertebrae using bone grafts or metal rods to provide stability to a damaged spinal area, relieving pain and preventing further degeneration. Common types include spinal lumbar fusion for the lower back and cervical fusion for the neck. 
• Spinal decompression surgery: This procedure relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and includes laminectomy or discectomy.

Types of Spine Surgery at Summit Orthopedics

Summit Orthopedics offers the most common types of spinal surgery, including:

• Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF)
• Cervical disc replacement
• Laminectomy decompression surgery
• Microdiscectomy
• Minimally invasive spine surgery
• Posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF)
• Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)

Whenever possible, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques that can reduce postsurgical pain and shorten your recovery time. Certain procedures can now be done as an outpatient surgery, followed by a stay in our Care Suites instead of a hospital stay.

Preparing for Surgery

Your Summit Orthopedics care team will explain in detail how to prepare for your surgery in the weeks and days before the procedure. This timeline may vary by patient and procedure, but in general, you should expect:

• 45 days: Review all paperwork and address any outstanding items as instructed. Cancel all dental appointments that fall within a month prior to surgery or three months after.
• 31 days: Make sure you are scheduled for Spine Camp, as well as your preoperative physical exam. Ask your doctor when you should stop taking GLP-1 agonist medications.
• 30 days: You can no longer have any dental work or cleanings until cleared by your surgeon.
• 24 days: Make sure you have sent any paperwork that your employer may need, such as worker’s compensation, short-term disability or proof of medical leave forms, to Summit Orthopedics for completion.
• 21 days: If you will need an assistive device after surgery, now is the time to purchase or rent these items from a medical supply store, local pharmacy or home improvement center. 
• 14 days: You must have had your preoperative appointment by now. Double-check that you have an appointment the day before surgery to pick up supplies, along with a post-surgical follow-up appointment. 
• 8 days: Stop taking all anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins and supplements unless otherwise directed by your surgeon. Start making your home safe by removing items that could increase your risk of a fall, such as throw rugs.
• 6 days: Pack your hospital bag, leaving all jewelry and valuables at home. Arrange for a friend, family member or other caregiver to drive you home after discharge and help care for you for the first 24 hours in your home.
• 5 days: Start using Mupirocin. Place a pea-sized amount of the ointment inside each nostril every morning and night. If you have any signs or symptoms of illness or if you have any cuts or scrapes on your surgical area, please contact your care team.
• 3 days: You will receive a call from a surgical center nurse regarding your arrival time for surgery. Make sure to discuss any medications, allergies or metal implants you have. 
• 2 days: Stop shaving. Start showering with antibacterial soap. Do not apply lotion to the area where you will receive surgery. Also, stop use of all nicotine, tobacco and alcohol products. 
• 1 day: Do not eat or drink anything after 11 p.m. Shower with Hibiclens before bed and do not apply lotion. Sleep on clean sheets. 
• Day of surgery: Shower with Hibiclens upon awakening. Do not apply lotion. Arrive at the spine center with your caregiver and packed bag. Please make sure to have your photo ID and insurance card with you for check-in. If you have remaining questions, please bring a list to ask the anesthesia team or surgical team before the procedure.

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery from spinal surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and individual health factors. Generally, you can expect a recovery period of three to six months. Full recovery might take a year for more complex procedures like back fusion surgery.

• 1 to 5 days: You may go home the day of your procedure, or you may stay in the hospital to recover. You will be taught how to move without hurting your spine. It is normal to have numbness or other side effects from the nerve block for up to 48 hours after your surgery.
• 7 to 14 days: It is common to feel some pain and have difficulty sleeping. Your stitches and bandages will dissolve or be removed during this time frame. Continue with the exercises provided at the surgery center. You may be starting physical therapy soon, if you haven’t already.
• 3 to 4 weeks: You will be in outpatient physical therapy and should keep up with exercises as prescribed. When you are no longer using pain medications and your doctor has told you it is safe to do so, you may begin driving again. Some people may return to work.
• 91 days: It is now safe to return to the dentist. Before any dental work, you’ll need to take an antibiotic. Please call your care team before your next dental appointment for an antibiotic prescription.
• 4 to 6 months: Most people can return to full activities and employment at this time, but full healing may take up to one year.

Understanding your surgical options and preparing for spine surgery can be daunting. Our team is here to guide you through every step, from initial consultation to postsurgical rehabilitation. Trust our expertise in spinal surgery to help you reclaim your mobility and quality of life.

If you have questions or concerns about spine surgery, Summit Orthopedics has answers. Contact us via our patient portal.