What are the risks and recovery expectations after posterior spinal fusion?
Risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, implant failure, and incomplete fusion. Recovery involves a 10–14 day hospital stay, followed by 3–6 months of limited activity and physical therapy. Most patients return to school or desk work within 4–6 weeks, but full healing and return to sports may take up to a year. Your surgeon will provide a personalized rehabilitation plan.