1. A Patient’s Guide to
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
25 Thurber Boulevard, Unit 6
Smithfield, RI 02917
Tel: (401) 404-2975
Fax: (401) 404-2976
www.bsnidoctors.com

2. Introduction Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lumbar fusion? How long will my surgery last? Between 4
A lumbar fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebral and 6 hours, depending on the number of
bodies together. We accomplish this with the use of different forms of levels of the fusion.
bone, which act as the bridge between the two vertebral bodies.
How long will I be in the hospital? 1 to 2
Instrumentation is typically utilized to hold everything in place until
days.
bony growth (fusion) is obtained.
What kinds of conditions necessitate a lumbar fusion? When can I drive?* Short drives are fine after
5 days; longer drives are acceptable after 2
Lumbar fusion is used for any condition that is associated with spinal
weeks, provided you feel comfortable while
instability. Spinal instability is the abnormal motion of the bones in the
sitting.
spine. This instability may cause pain, numbness, and/or muscle
weakness in the lower back, hips, and legs. These conditions include When can I go back to work? This will depend on the individual and the
degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis (a slippage of one bone on type of work being performed.
another), and spinal stenosis. Light/sedentary work (lifting <25 lbs.) 4 weeks
Medium work (lifting up to 50 lbs.) 2-4 months
Strenuous work (lifting >50 lbs.) 4-6 months maximum
How active can I be? Activity is encouraged, especially walking. You
may begin to exercise as early as one to two weeks in the post-operative
period. Avoid activities with twisting and/or bending.
What if I want to get pregnant after a fusion? There are certain
precautions associated with pregnancy after a fusion. Please discuss this
with one of our physicians.
When do I wear my brace? The brace is worn at all times when active
out of bed (not required when sitting or lying down).
How long do I wear my brace? Typically 6-8 weeks after surgery.
Why should I consider a lumbar fusion?
A fusion should only be considered in two situations. One, if progressive How long do I wear my bone stimulator?* 6 months.
muscle weakness is occurring in the lower extremities, or two, if all
conservative options have failed, and the impact of the conditions has a Can I get an MRI after a PLIF? Yes, the instrumentation used for a
significant effect on one’s lifestyle. PLIF is MRI-compatible.
Will I lose a significant amount of mobility with a lumbar fusion? *Narcotic usage is not recommended while driving.
Those patients who require spinal fusions are suffering from a significant *Dependent upon condition; not all patients are required to have a bone
amount of discomfort. Ultimately, with a successful surgery, the amount stimulator.
of pain-free mobility that a patient experiences is more than compared to
before surgery. Therefore, patients generally are moving much better and
with greater freedom and range of motion compared to prior to surgery.

3. The Procedure
An incision is made in the lower back
with the patient lying on their The addition of screws and rods
stomach. Once the spine is accessed, help to support and stabilize the
the surgeon removes the lamina (the spine until the graft hardens, or
bone covering the spinal cord) so as to fuses (e.g. similar to the purpose
visualize the nerve roots that are of a cast for a broken leg).
being compressed.
The compressed nerve roots are then
moved to one side and the disc material The incision is then
is completely removed and is replaced closed using dissolvable
with bone that is packed in a cage. suture material. A brace
should be worn for 6-8
weeks after this surgery
so as to help support the
spine as it heals.

4. What to Expect After Surgery MEDICATIONS LIST
Pain at incision site: You may experience incisional pain for The following medications contain aspirin or anti-inflammatory agents,
approximately 5-7 days. Icing the incision and narcotic medications can which increase the risk of bleeding during surgery or injections.
also be helpful. Anti-inflammatory medications CANNOT be taken at
this time. These medications and supplements should NOT be taken up to 14 days
prior to an injection or to surgery
Increased leg pain: This is due to inflammation/swelling of the nerve
roots 2-3 days following surgery. It will gradually improve and slowly Should you need pain relief medication, Tylenol is acceptable. You may
subside over the following week. In severe cases, oral steroids are used. discuss other medication options with your physician or nurse if necessary.
Hoarse throat/throat discomfort: This is due to the breathing tube
placement during the surgery. This will gradually improve with time. Please note that this is not an inclusive list. If you have any concerns about
your current medications, please consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
You should call the office if you develop any neurologic Advil Duradyne Nabumeton
findings that were not present at the time of your hospital AGGRASTAT Ecotrin Naprosyn
discharge. Examples include: AGGRENOX EFFIENT Naproxen
Aleve Enbrel NSAIDS
 Sudden or slow onset of weakness in the lower extremities Alka-seltzer Equagesic Norgesic
 Loss of control over your bowel/bladder Anacin Etodolac Oxaprozin
 Elevated temperature (greater than 101 degrees) Anaprox Excedrin Piroxicam
 Excessive redness/swelling of the incision Ansaid Feldene PLAVIX
 Drainage/oozing from the incision site ASPIRIN Fiorinal PLETAL
Bufferin 4 Way Cold Tabs PRADAXA
Cataflex Garlic Tablets Relafen
How do I get refills of my prescription? Call our prescription hotline Celebrex Ginko Bilboa Reopro
during business hours (9am–4pm) at (401) 404-2975 x152. Cephalgesics Ginseng Robaxisal
Clinoril Ibuprofen Ticlid
When will my staples/sutures be removed? Staples are removed at 7-10
CLOPIDOGREL- Indomethacin Trental
days. Sutures under the skin will dissolve on their own. Surface/drain
BISULFATE Indocin Vanquish
tubes will be removed after 1-2 days. Integrilin
Coricidin Vitamin E
When will I start physical therapy? This will be discussed at your first COUMADIN Ketoprofen Voltaren
post-operative appointment. Daypro Lodine WARFARIN
Diclofenac Meloxicam
When can I shower? We do not encourage showering within the first 2 Diflunisal Midol Any herbal supplements or
days after surgery. Showering is permitted provided that the wound Doan’s Mobic non-FDA approved drugs
remains completely dry. You must replace the dressing after every shower Dristan Motrin
with a clean, dry dressing.
What about taking anti-inflammatory medications after surgery? Anti- *If you are taking any of the medication HIGHLIGHTED, you MUST
inflammatory medications should NOT be taken until 6 months consult your physician prior to discontinuing your prescription*
AFTER your surgical procedure.