Shared Care Framework

Post-Operative Care Hand-off Guide

This clinical resource assists General Practitioners in co-managing and monitoring patients during the critical recovery window following spine and brain surgeries.

Post-Operative Management Milestones

Structure the patient's recovery consultations around these three core clinical phases to ensure optimal healing and hardware integration:

Wound Care & Suture Removal

10 to 14 days post-surgery
  • Visual Inspection: Assess incision for signs of active infection (erythema, purulent discharge, warm edges).
  • Removal: Scalp staples or sutures are typically removed at the consulting rooms or by the GP at 10-14 days.
  • Hygiene: Keep the wound clean and dry. Avoid soaking, swimming, or using hair dyes/harsh chemicals until fully healed.
  • Moisturisation: Once sutures/staples are removed and the incision is fully closed, gentle silicone scar gel can be applied.

Activity & Mobility Milestones

Weeks 1 to 6 post-surgery
  • Walking: Encourage regular, low-impact walking on flat surfaces. Start with 10-15 minutes and build progressively.
  • Lifting Limits: Strict lifting restriction of maximum 5kg for the first 6 weeks to protect spinal hardware and bone beds.
  • Posture: Advise against prolonged sitting (>45 minutes) or aggressive spinal flexion, extension, or twisting.
  • Neck/Back collars: Collars and braces are rarely necessary post-surgery; active, natural range of motion is preferred.

Return to Work & Pacing

Weeks 6 to 12 post-surgery
  • Sedentary Duties: Gradual return to desk work is typically cleared at 4 to 6 weeks, beginning with part-time hours.
  • Manual Labour: Light physical duties can resume gradually at 8 to 12 weeks, with permanent restrictions evaluated as needed.
  • Physiotherapy: Core-strengthening, spinal conditioning, and occupational rehabilitation are initiated under physical therapy supervision at 6 weeks.
  • Surveillance: Surveillance MRI or CT imaging is coordinated by our rooms at the 6-week follow-up.