Patient Education: Spinal Surgery (Laminectomy or Spinal Fusion)

1. Understanding Spinal Surgery

What it is:

Laminectomy: Surgery to remove part of the vertebra called the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
Spinal fusion: Surgery to join two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.

Why it’s needed:

Location and severity:

Surgery involves the spine, which may be in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) area.
Severity depends on how many vertebrae are involved and how compressed the nerves are.

Cause / Risk Factors:

After surgery, watch for:

Delayed complications may include:

Pain management:

Mobility:

Wound care:

Keep the incision clean and dry
Follow all physician wound care orders
Contact your doctor or home health nurse if there is redness, pus, or increased pain

Rest and rehabilitation:

Rest often but gradually increase activity
Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen back muscles and improve flexibility

Infection prevention:

Fall prevention:

Monitoring for delayed symptoms:

Contact home health or your doctor if:

Go to the ER immediately if:

Instructions: Read each statement. Circle or mark whether it is TRUE or FALSE.

TRUE or FALSE: Laminectomy removes part of the vertebra to relieve nerve pressure.
TRUE or FALSE: Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
TRUE or FALSE: Spinal surgery is done only on the legs.
TRUE or FALSE: Surgery can help relieve pain caused by nerve compression.
TRUE or FALSE: Herniated discs are a risk factor for spinal surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Redness, pus, or swelling may indicate infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Fever after surgery should be ignored.
TRUE or FALSE: Severe pain not improving with medication should be reported.
TRUE or FALSE: Gentle walking after surgery helps circulation and healing.
TRUE or FALSE: Bending, twisting, or heavy lifting is allowed immediately.
TRUE or FALSE: Wounds should be kept clean and dry.
TRUE or FALSE: Physical therapy may help strengthen back muscles.
TRUE or FALSE: Falls are not a concern during recovery.
TRUE or FALSE: Handwashing helps prevent infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Numbness or tingling that worsens should be reported immediately.
TRUE or FALSE: Follow-up appointments are important for monitoring recovery.
TRUE or FALSE: Home health can assist with mild wound care or questions.
TRUE or FALSE: Trouble controlling bowel or bladder requires ER care.
TRUE or FALSE: Avoid swimming until cleared by your doctor.
TRUE or FALSE: Rest and gradual activity are both important for healing.

TRUE – Laminectomy removes part of the vertebra to relieve pressure.
TRUE – Spinal fusion joins vertebrae for stability.
FALSE – Surgery involves the spine, not just legs.
TRUE – Surgery relieves pain from nerve compression.
TRUE – Herniated discs increase the need for surgery.
TRUE – Redness, pus, or swelling may indicate infection.
FALSE – Fever may indicate infection or complication and should be checked.
TRUE – Severe pain not improving with medication needs attention.
TRUE – Gentle walking helps with circulation and healing.
FALSE – Avoid bending, twisting, and heavy lifting until cleared.
TRUE – Keeping wounds clean and dry prevents infection.
TRUE – Physical therapy strengthens muscles and improves mobility.
FALSE – Falls can be dangerous and must be prevented.
TRUE – Handwashing helps prevent infection.
TRUE – Worsening numbness or tingling can indicate nerve problems.
TRUE – Follow-up appointments monitor healing and spine stability.
TRUE – Home health can assist with mild symptoms or wound care.
TRUE – Trouble controlling bowel or bladder may indicate a serious complication.
TRUE – Avoid swimming until cleared to prevent infection.
TRUE – Both rest and gradual activity are important for recovery.