O3238: When Can I Return to Roller Coaster? A Survey of Spine Surgeon Postoperative Protocols

Background: Returning to amusement park rides remains a common clinic question for patients following postoperative spine procedures, though there is a paucity of literature for guidance. To evaluate current practice, a survey was sent to evaluate the thoughts of spine surgeons amongst an international study group.

Methods: A REDCap survey was emailed to all treating providers within a multicenter study group, incomplete responses were excluded.

Results: 86 providers completed the first component of the survey. With regards to growing rods(GR), 75.6%(65/86) allowed patients to return to amusement park rides at an average of 150 days (14–365 days). For vertebral body tethering (VBT), 57.0% of surgeons allowed patients to return to rides at a mean of 100 days (14-365days). In comparison, 96.5% of surgeons allowed patients to return to rides at 175 days(5-731days) after posterior spinal fusion(PSF). Some surgeons recommended patients NEVER return to rides after GR(14%), VBT(1.2%) and PSF(2.3%). Some surgeons responded “not sure/not applicable” regarding return to rides: GR(10.5%), VBT(41.9%) and PSF(1.2%). Excluding surgeons who were unsure/never allowed return, 19.3% allowed return to rides for all procedures(GR, VBT,PSF) by 3 months; 53.8% allowed return by 6 months and 89.8% allowed return by 12 months. 92 respondents completed the second part of the survey. A total of 95.7%(88/92) of respondents have not had any postoperative patient experience an injury on an amusement park ride. Of the 5 injuries reported, 2 were muscular injuries and 3 required revision surgery (1 with neurologic injury that resolved). Interestingly, more providers reported patients with injuries who had not had prior surgery(7/92). Of these, 2 had muscular injuries, 2 compression fractures, 1 ligamentous injury, 1 neurologic injury that resolved and 1 patient who fell off the amusement park ride resulting in TBI and fractures of all extremities.

Conclusion: Many surgeons reported being unsure regarding safety and recommendations for returning to roller coasters. Of those who provided a time frame for returning, half of surgeons surveyed (53.8%) allowed return to riding roller coasters following GR, VBT and PSF by 6 mo and 99% allowed return by 12 mo. Serious injury, appears rare, but has occurred in patients both with and without spine surgery.