Lumbar Spinal Fusion

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

Weight-Bearing

WBAT; brace or corset if required by surgeon

Key Restrictions

No excessive lifting/twisting/bending 0-6 wks; no prone extensions until wk 8; no standing ROM testing until wk 8; no lifting >20 lbs/no overhead lifting Phase 2; avoid lumbar extension loading Phase 2

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (1-6 wks): home HEP, walking ½ mile, neutral spine, neural mobilization, body mechanics education; Phase 2 (7-12 wks): outpatient PT 2-3x/wk, back school, lumbopelvic stabilization (TA/multifidus), bridging at wk 10, balance, cardiovascular; Phase 3 (13-18 wks): multiplanar stability, squats/lunges, planks, side bridges, single-leg bridges, functional lifting with pulleys

Notes

From Department of Neurosurgery. Progression guided by Oswestry scores: score 40-60 focuses on pain relief, 20-40 on decreasing pain, <20 on progressive strengthening and work simulation.

Surgeon / Author

M. Murphy PT DPT OCS, R.G. Whitmore MD

Published

2019-10