Discharge Instructions for Scoliosis Surgery (Pediatric)

Your child has had surgery for scoliosis. This is a condition where the spine curves and twists from side to side. It is most often found in girls in their early teens, although boys can have it too. No one is sure what causes scoliosis, but it is not caused by things like carrying heavy bags or playing sports. Scoliosis does tend to run in families (parent, child, siblings). Here's what you need to know about home care after surgery.

Making movement easier

• Remove throw rugs, electrical cords, and anything else that may cause falls.
• Use nonslip bath mats, grab bars, an elevated toilet seat, and a shower chair in the bathroom.
• If assistive devices such as a cane, crutches or a walker have been prescribed by your healthcare provider, you and your child will be shown how to use these devices properly. Please ensure that your child is using the assistive device prescribed as shown. Arrange your household to keep the items handy for your child. Keep everything else out of the way.
• Encourage your child to use a fanny pack, apron, or pockets to carry things and keep his or her hands free.

Activity

• Encourage naps if your child feels tired, but don’t let him or her stay in bed all day.
• Make sure your child knows that he or she cannot bend at the waist, twist at the waist, or raise hands over the head until the surgeon says it is safe to do so.
• Don’t allow your child to lift anything heavier than 4 pounds for at least the first 2 weeks after surgery.
• Keep your child from sitting for longer than 30 to 45 minutes at a time. Frequent short walks are the key to recovery.
• Encourage your child to sit in high back hard chairs with arms. The arms make it easier to stand up or sit down. Soft chairs and couches are not recommended for sitting.

Incision care

• Your child’s doctor or healthcare provider will let you know when it is safe for your child to shower. . When your child is able to take a shower, make sure to gently pat the incision dry. Don’t rub it or apply creams or lotions.
• Don’t let the child soak the incision in water (no hot tubs, bathtubs, swimming pools, etc.) until the doctor says it’s okay.
• Check the incision daily for redness, tenderness, or drainage.

Other home care

• Make sure your child takes his or her medication exactly as directed.
• Make sure your child wears his or her back brace as directed by your child's doctor.
• Avoid nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, unless directed by your doctor. They may delay or prevent proper fusion of the spine.

Follow-up care

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Keep appointments for X-rays. They need to be taken regularly to check the status of your child’s surgery and spinal fusion.