Value

If distinct, chronic symptomatic pain remains despite intensive conservative and minimally invasive treatment, lasting improvement of pain can often only be achieved through reinforcement surgery . For patients with certain changes of the spinal column, reinforcement can be the only form of therapy promising success.

Follow-up

The patient can stand up one day after the operation, and should wear a specially-fitted, comfortable plastic corset for circa six weeks. The inpatient stay lasts at least seven days. And stationary rehabilitation treatment can begin three to four months after the operation. Special attention is given to strengthening the back musculature, as well as posture and movement training (back-training school).

Ability to work

After circa four to six weeks, the patient can once again engage in office work and light physical activity. Physically strenuous activity should be avoided for approximately three months, and then only gradually reintroduced.

Sports

Swimming is possible after circa four weeks; and bicycling in an upright position after circa six weeks.
Depending upon their degree and type of intensity, all other types of sport can begin after three months and gradually increased.

Results

In concordance with international publications, a success rate of 70 to 80 percent is to be expected.

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