Anterior Cervical Fusion Discharge Instructions

Cervical fusion is not a simple surgery to recover from. This surgery is required when a disk is ruptured or herniated in the neck and needs to be removed. As a result, the vertebra in the neck need to be fused together to make up for the missing space. This is painful, and the recovery process can take a long time and severely limit your ability to do the most simple of actions.

Going Home

• Because your movement will be limited when you go home, it is important that you or one of your family members gets your house or apartment ready for your return. Make sure that all items in the house are within reach at or below eye level. It will be nearly impossible for you to move your neck to see things too far above eye level. It is recommended that you do not raise your hands above your head or bend below your waist. Make sure to remove anything that may be a tripping hazard, such as electrical cords and rugs. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you around until your doctor approves you to be behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. You will not be able to move your neck from side to side, and so your vision in a vehicle will be limited. You will be limited as to exercising, but walking will be a reasonable activity to stay in shape.

Recovery

• Take your medication as instructed by your doctor. You will be advised by your doctor to stay away from steroid-based, anti-inflammatory painkillers because they can irritate the surgery and retard recovery. You will not be able to shower for about a week after the surgery, and then showering will be allowed only on a need basis. No soaking baths will be permitted. You will need to wear a cervical collar to protect your neck and the wound on your neck. Directly after surgery, you will be allowed to eat only clear liquid, progressing to thicker liquids, such as milkshakes and smoothies. You will need to care for your neck wound by keeping it dry and free of dirt. Mostly likely you'll have a tube inserted in your neck during surgery that draws liquid out of the wound. When cleaning the wound on your neck, you will have to make sure this is clean as well.

Follow-up Visits

• You will need to follow up with your doctor according to instructions. X-rays probably will be required to check the progress of the fusion. There is the possibility of complications so be aware if your body tells you something is wrong. If you have a large spike in temperature, swelling and nasty odors, or chest pain and difficulty breathing, contact your doctor right away or go to an emergency room.