Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients (or parents) may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about spine surgery:

1. Do I have any alternatives to spine surgery?
   
   
2. What type of spine surgery is recommended for me, and what does it involve? Will anything be implanted or removed?
   
   
3. Do I need to do anything to prepare for my surgery?
   
   
4. What kind of anesthesia will I undergo?
   
   
5. What complications am I most at risk for as a result of my surgery?
   
   
6. Will my surgery require a hospital stay?
   
   
7. How long will it take for me to recover from my surgery?
   
   
8. Will I need a brace or other device?
   
   
9. What medications might I need after the operation?
   
   
10. Will I need physical therapy or other treatments afterward?
    
    
11. What are the chances my surgery will be effective?
    
    
12. Will spine surgery affect my child’s development?