Cervical Spinal Fusion

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center · M. Murphy PT DPT, N. Shah PT DPT, R.G. Whitmore MD

Weight-Bearing

WBAT; activity tolerance progressively increased

Key Restrictions

No PROM; avoid extension (anterior approach) or flexion (posterior approach); no cervical rotation/side bending until wk 10; no cervical isometrics until wk 12; limit overhead arm movements wks 0-12; arm exercises restricted to ≤5 lbs Phase II, ≤15 lbs Phase III

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-8 wks): home HEP, cervical ROM limited, walking ½ mile, scapular/shoulder AROM, spinal stabilization supine; Phase II (9-12 wks): outpatient PT 2-3x/wk, cervical isometrics at wk 12, UE low-load strengthening ≤5 lbs, core stabilization, manual therapy; Phase III (13-18 wks): advanced strengthening ≤15 lbs, functional core, balance, wks 14-18 chest press/rows/pull-downs

Notes

From Department of Neurosurgery. Approach-specific precautions: avoid extension with anterior cervical fusion; avoid flexion with posterior cervical fusion.

Surgeon / Author

M. Murphy PT DPT, N. Shah PT DPT, R.G. Whitmore MD

Published

2021-02