Lumbar Microdiscectomy — / Discectomy

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center · Julia Rose EdD PA-C; OSU Neurological Surgery / Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

WBAT from POD 1; no formal WB restrictions; walking goal 30 min 2x/day Phase 1

Key Restrictions

No NSAIDs (per surgeon); no driving while on narcotics; no scar mobilization x 3 months; no brace; no BLTs (bending/lifting/twisting) >20 lbs x 3 months; no sitting >30-45 min at a time; no stationary bike or rower; no lumbar hyperextension; no deep hip flexion/extension; avoid submerging incision until healed

Timeline & Phases

3 phases: Phase 1 (POD 1-3 wks, home focus on ADLs/walking), Phase 2 (3-6 wks, begin OP PT 2-3x/wk x 6-8 wks, 12-24 visits), Phase 3 (6 wks-3 months, progress stabilization and return to baseline)

Notes

.edu site; April 2022; ODI + FABQ at initial eval and 6th visit; walking goal 1 mile in 20 min at 6 wks; pedometer encouraged; lumbar stabilization progression (dead bug, bird dog, bridges, marches); TA and multifidus volitional contraction goals; NO ultrasound; pool therapy optional; return to work timeline varies by job demands; extensive references

Surgeon / Author

Julia Rose EdD PA-C; OSU Neurological Surgery / Orthopaedic Surgery

Published

April 2022