Thoracolumbar Spinal Fusion — Posterior Thoracic-Lumbar Fusion (Spinal Deformity)

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center · Jordan Hudson DPT, Sean Meers DPT; Reviewed by Andrew Grossbach MD, Jonathan…

Weight-Bearing

Full WB from POD 1; progressive walking program begins day 1; OP PT typically starts at 12 weeks

Key Restrictions

No NSAIDs for 3-6 months; no BLTs >8-10 lbs until 3+ months; no scar mobilization for 3 months; brace per surgeon; diaphragmatic breathing exercises early post-op; no tobacco

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (POD 1 to 6-12 wks): home PT, mobilization, ADLs, progressive walking, diaphragmatic breathing; Phase 2 (12-16 wks): OP PT 2-3x/wk, lumbar stabilization (TA/multifidi), LE strengthening (<8-10 lbs), D/C brace at 12 wks; Phase 3 (4-6+ months): progress strength (5 lbs every other week), aerobic conditioning, ergonomics/work simulation; Return to work: sedentary 10-14 wks, moderate 12-16+ wks, heavy 24+ wks

Notes

Covers posterior thoracic-lumbar-pelvic fusion for spinal deformity; includes breathing exercises not in other lumbar protocols; ODI + FABQ at initial eval and discharge; creation date 2008, latest revision April 2022

Surgeon / Author

Jordan Hudson DPT, Sean Meers DPT; Reviewed by Andrew Grossbach MD, Jonathan Karnes MD, Safdar Khan MD, Varun Singh MBBS, Stephanus Viljoen MD, Elizabeth Yu MD (Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)

Published

2022