POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING
ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY AND FUSION WITH A PLATING SYSTEM

You have just undergone an operative procedure to relieve the pressure on a compressed or pinched nerve in your cervical spine. To maintain your normal anatomy, a bone graft was placed between the two vertabrae. This was reinforced with a titanium plate and screws. This will heal much like a broken bone. The following recommendations will facilitate the healing process and increase your comfort in the immediate post-operative period.

1. You must wear your cervical collar as instructed.
2. During the first week following surgery you should remain mostly at rest. You should stay home from work and avoid any lifting. For the first four (4) weeks post-operatively there should be lifting of nothing over 10 pounds.
3. It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort at the surgical site for the first two or three days folling surgery. Therefore, please take whatever medication your doctor has prescribed for you. Take the pain medication promptly before the discomfort becomes significant.
4. It is not unusual for you to experience some tingling or the sensation and/or discomfort in the immediate post-operative period. If you should develop severe pain, prolonged tingling of the hands and feet, swelling at the operative site, fever, or drainage from the site of the incision, please call us immediately.
5. If you have questions or concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to call our office at (919) 731-4048. Should a question arise after office hours, please call the switchboard at Wayne Memorial Hospital at (919) 736-1110 to have Dr. Lacin or Dr. Katz paged.

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