How Long for Cervical Spinal Fusion to Heal.

[DaleMinton]

My son of 29 had a Spinal fusion operation in the middle of July. Before the procedure was required, and for sentimentals reasons, our family was considering a trip to Florida in November as he and others in the family wanted to re-experience some of the good times they had as youngsters in various resorts and theme parks such as Disney, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens etc etc. Will such procedure be healed enough for him to undertake such rides safely ? Thanks in advance.

[SCI-Nurse]

It takes at least 3 months for spinal surgery to heal so that it is stable, and that is dependent upon issues such as nutrition and maintaining bracing and other methods of prevention movement at the site of the surgery.

Our spinal surgeons do not allow riding in a car or van without a neck brace or back brace for 6 months after stabilization surgery, and at least that long for active sports such as snow skiing. They would not recommend attempting riding on amusement park rides that are like roller coasters at all for at least that period of time (even with a brace on).

(KLD)

[SCI-Nurse]

Ortho doctor will do x-rays and go from there and clear before allowing changes in wearing of the brace etc...
Minimal 3 months if x-rays show healed and maybe more. Alot wear it when having pain, discomfort until neck muscles etc.. have resumed strength which can take a while and periodically in high risk situations as described.
Md may change to a different support device.
Always tell them- don't throw it away!!
CWO

[DaleMinton]

This procedure to remove his C4/C5 disc was undertaken at the specialist Neuro/Spinal unit in St Georges Hospital in London. The operation was undertaken by a team under the guidence of Professor Henry Moore CBE. He has never worn a neck brace post surgery and he was informed that if he wanted he could move his neck around as he wished within his own comfort zone. They explained to us that they has used some sort of carbon fibre based insert between the vertebrae which was inpregnated with a growth hormone (that's just for your information, I'm not suggesting that the growth hormone would have created a fusion within hours of the surgery). All his drugs have been removed except 100mg of Pregablin (lyrica)per day. He's not experiencing any pain only a little stiffness in some joints (elbows, fingers and knees), albeit he is still undertaking his physio excercising he now has no real need for a chair, and although his legs are not quite as strong as they were, and feel a little shakey, he's walking unaided around the wards, garden and therapy gym. Bearing in mind the cord compression caused by the disc protrusion, and the procedure itself was undertaken only 5 weeks ago, all involved in his recovery consider he's been extremley fortunate. Importantly, it shows that all is not doom and gloom for those who experience paralysis from such an injury.

[smashms]

i would have him get some x rays before you go and ask his surgeon weather or not he is allowing him to go on rides yet, however be ready for him to say no because given that type of surgery it may be to dangerous for that type of activity. also there is going to be alot of walking so i would plan to either take the chair if he has one or plan to rent a scooter there he may find that this is more comfortable.

[DaleMinton]

Thanks for the responses. It seems they plan to discharge him by mid to late September, part of his remaining care will be to incorporate some further MRI's to establish just how things look ... I suppose we'll have more of a definitive at that time. Phew, so glad we have the NHS!

[twheeler]

I am three months out of cervical spinal fusion and I'm doing great. But every sci is different and everyone recovers differently.I do NOT recommend riding any rides until he has fully healed