How long does it take to recover from ACDF surgery?
Recovery time after ACDF surgery generally lasts about four to six weeks. If you had a bone graft taken from your pelvis, you may experience pain, soreness, and stiffness at the incision site.
What should you not do after ACDF surgery?
Don’t do any tasks that involve bending over or lifting, such as yard work or cleaning the kitchen. While you don’t need to keep your neck completely still, be wary of moving your head too quickly. Some surgeons may instruct their patients to wear a neck collar or brace for additional support.
Can I bend over after ACDF surgery?
In the first week at home, certain activities are restricted. For example, the patient needs to avoid turning the head sharply to the side, lifting anything heavy, and bending over. Driving must be avoided while the individual is taking narcotic pain medication or muscle relaxers.
What happens after an anterior cervical fusion?
In order to achieve the long-term benefits of ACDF surgery, most patients understand that the recovery period will entail some short-term inconveniences, such as discomfort, fatigue, and reduced activity levels that typically last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
What should I eat after Acdf?
Yogurt, applesauce, creamy soups (no chunks), and other soft foods are good choices during the recovery period when swallowing is still difficult. Puree hard foods.
How do I prepare for Acdf recovery?
What should I do during recovery?
- Take any medications that your doctor prescribes for pain and constipation.
- Don’t use any NSAIDs for at least six months.
- Don’t lift any objects over 5 pounds.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
- Don’t look up or down using your neck.
- Don’t sit for long periods of time.
How do you sleep after Acdf surgery?
Sleeping on the side or back is recommended versus sleeping on the stomach. Adding a pillow between the knees when sleeping on the side, or under the legs when sleeping on the back, may be helpful. If sleeping troubles become a pattern, the doctor should be contacted.
Will I lose weight after Acdf surgery?
Do not attempt to lose weight following surgery. The progression is generally slow, but a high-quality diet can help ensure a smoother and speedier healing process. It’s normal to feel nauseous during the first few days following surgery.
Do you lose weight after back surgery?
Body weight change following lumbar surgery in overweight patients varied between the two included studies. One study reported 6% of patients lost weight 34 months following lumbar surgery, while 35% gained body weight. A second study reported 40% lost weight while 41% gained weight 20 months post surgery.
What to expect after anterior cervical fusion surgery?
After anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery (a surgery to treat damaged or worn discs in your neck): You will wake up from surgery in a recovery area of the hospital. A nurse will monitor your vital signs until you are ready to leave the area. You may have a sore throat and difficulty swallowing for a few days.
What is the recovery time for lumbar fusion?
It is often the case that patients do not realize they were the victims of medical malpractice until they discover that their recovery is not consistent with the expected lumbar fusion recovery timeline. The average hospital stay after a lumbar fusion is three to four days.
What is the recovery time for neck fusion?
Most patients recover within about 4 to 6 weeks, and some are able to return to most everyday activities after a few days or weeks. For the fusion to fully mature—meaning that it heals into one solid, strong bone—may take a full 12 to 18 months.
What is recovery like from cervical fusion?
Recovery from cervical fusion depends on a number of factors. As mentioned, the surgery is considered a success when the symptoms are improved, and the bone has healed across the fused vertebrae. This fusion process usually takes two to three months.