CONSULTATION
- Which exam should I take with me for the consultation?
In the case of a first consultation, X-rays as well as an MRI or CT scan less than 4 months old are necessary.
In the event of a follow-up consultation, the tests prescribed during the last consultation as well as previous tests must be brought.
- What is the purpose of the consultation?
Consultation is an essential part of the treatment.
It has two essential objectives:
- Establish a diagnosis
- Determine the optimal treatment
- Can i see the spine surgeon remotely?
Yes, we offer teleconsultations for international patients.
This allows you to discuss your case with our specialists, and receive expert advice before planning your visit to Clinique Oxford.
If surgery is planned, we will organize an in-person consultation a few days before the procedure. This allows us to meet you, answer your questions, and arrange a visit with the anesthesiologist, ensuring everything is prepared for your surgery
THE SURGERY
- How long will be the hospital stay?
The length of stay varies depending on the type of intervention and from one patient to another.
Some procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, such as herniated disc surgery or kyphoplasty for a fracture .
Other procedures such as arthrodesis or disc replacement may require 1 to 5 days of hospitalization.
As soon as a minimum of autonomy is regained, returning home is possible.
- How long is the surgery?
The duration of the operation varies depending on the type of intervention performed.
Surgical times for simple procedures are relatively quick, for example 20 minutes to treat a simple fracture , and less than an hour for a lumbar disc herniation .
Some more complex procedures may require one or more hours, such as arthrodesis or the placement of a disc prosthesis .
- Is there a risk of paraplegia, or of "ending up in a wheelchair" if I don't have surgery quickly?
No, in the vast majority of cases.
Degenerative pathologies of the spine do not result in paralysis of both lower limbs.
However, certain fairly specific and infrequent pathologies can threaten neurological functions, such as cervical spondylotic myelopathy, thoracic disc herniation, complex and unstable fractures, or certain tumor pathologies.
The indication for surgery must be precisely assessed, taking into account clinical and radiological criteria.
Be careful, however : a significant loss of strength in the limbs linked to compression of a nerve root or the spinal cord requires rapid surgical treatment to avoid permanent after-effects.
- What are the risks of the operation?
The risks of complications occurring vary depending on the type of surgery and the patients, but remain minimal.
They can be classified as follows:
- Risks associated with general anesthesia
- Risks common to any operation, regardless of the surgical site: infection, hematoma.
- Risks specific to spinal surgery: neurological risk. Although being real, the neurological risk is minimal. The techniques and precautions implemented help reduce this risk.
Note, for example, that during lumbar disc herniation surgery, we work at a level of the column quite far from the spinal cord. The cord descends to the first lumbar vertebra, the majority of disc herniations being at the last two levels between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacrum.
In the event of a complication occurring, the most important thing is to diagnose and adequately manage this complication.
In the vast majority of cases, the occurrence of a complication does not compromise the final result of an intervention.
AFTER THE SURGERY
- Will I be able to walk after surgery?
Yes, you will be able to stand up and walk the day of the surgery, or the day after.
- Will I be allowed to sit after surgery?
Yes. Although in some situations like fusion of the lower lumbar spine, 90° sitting position should be avoided during a few weeks to minimize constrains on the construct, and a "beach chair" position would rather be recommended.
- How often wound dressings should be done?
Wound dressings should be done every two days by a nurse. The wound takes between 2 to 3 weeks to be completely healed. Sutures are absorbables in most cases, and can be removed by the nurse at 3 weeks postoperative if still presents.
The wound must not be wet until the skin is completely healed.
- When will I be allowed to go back to sports and physical activity?
Simple daily activities are allowed the first days after surgery. Walking, climbing stairs, ride a car as a passenger are allowed early.
Return to mild physical activities and sports is allowed from 3 weeks after surgery in simple surgeries, and from 3 months after surgery for spinal fusions.
Return to intense physical activities and sports is allowed from 6 weeks after surgery in simple surgeries, and from 3 to 6 months after surgery for spinal fusions.
- When will I be allowed to return to work after surgery?
For jobs without physical tasks, return to work is possible from 3 weeks in most surgeries, and from 6 weeks in cases of spinal fusion.
For jobs with physical tasks, return to work is possible from 6 weeks in most surgeries, and from 3 to 6 months after spinal fusion.
- When will I be able to get back in a car? As a passenger / as a driver
You will be allowed to get back in the car as a passenger in the days after the surgery.
Driving on another hand will be allowed from 2 to 6 weeks postoperative, depending on the type of surgery.
- Will I need rehabilitation with a physiotherapist after the surgery?
There is no need for rehabilitation in the first weeks following spine surgery in most cases.
Physiotherapy might be necessary in the months following the surgery, but has to be started after all the tissues are healed.
- How long after surgery am i allowed to travel back home?
In most cases, patients can travel home as early as 48 hours after lumbar disc herniation surgery or vertebroplasty, and about 5 days after disc replacement or spinal fusion. However, we recommend staying in the region for the first 3 weeks to allow for follow-up visits and to ensure proper healing without early complications.
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