Spinal Fusion Surgery: Discharge; Recovery is long and involved.

Erin Ward, mother of Will, age 17, who had spinal fusion therapy at age 14, John Emans, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, and Jay Berry, MD, General pediatrician, Complex Care Service, Boston Children’s Hospital, in discussion.

“The crudeness of hospital discharge of the level of health you need to achieve is nowhere near where you need to be to fully recover from the operation.”

This is likely the largest surgery the child will undergo. These children have complex conditions and the surgery may aggravate many of the underlying issues. It can take months for the children to get back to baseline, if that is even possible.

It is important to tell parents ahead of time that the after-care is going to be intense. This is especially true for families whose children have not had previous major surgery.

Things to talk about:
- Time to return to baseline
- Availability of nursing
- Durable medical equipment
- Return to school
- Return to outpatient providers
- Possibility of re-admission due to comorbid conditions