Spinal fusions of the lumbar are an involved surgical procedure-what exercises are effective vs to avoid? and why>?

Spinal fusions are generally performed when a laminectomy is unsuccessful.

It is important to know

1. What joint structures are involved in a spinal fusion
2. The pathology of a spinal fusion
3. How the fitness professional should approach training an individual who has had a spinal fusion and has completed physical therapy and
4. What precautions one has to take into consideration.

1. Joint structures involved:

a. The vertebral bodies of the vertebrae to be fused
b. The fact that Harrington Rods and screws will be used to fuse the vertebral bodies

2. Pathology

a. Severe spinal instability

3. Post Rehab Exercise Management

a. Emphasize spinal stability
b. Teach the client neutral sitting, standing and lying down
c. Teach the client neutral, lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying

Precautions

Avoid painful portions of ROM.

Joanne

Spot on. Except they are not performed if laminectomy’s are not successful. They are peformed primarily if Physiotherapy is unsuccessful and the patient is still experiencing radicular leg symptoms.

They are also performed either if there is significantly instability(antero or retrolisthesis in the lumbar spine