Ho-ho-ho! Gather around, my dear friends, for I have a tale to tell that’s as intriguing as finding out what’s under the Christmas tree on a frosty morning. This story isn’t about elves or reindeer, but about something equally magical in its own right – a novel approach to making the journey through Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) surgery as smooth as a sleigh ride over fresh snow. 🎄

In the bustling workshop, not of toys, but of the brilliant minds at an academic medical center, a group of wise folks set out to explore a new path. They noticed that older adults, much like seasoned Christmas trees, sometimes face challenges with LSS, leading to chronic musculoskeletal pain, dimming their festive spirits. 🎅

Now, LSS surgery, akin to adding more lights to a dimly lit Christmas tree, can brighten the situation but doesn’t always guarantee the sparkle. So, these clever elves—ahem, I mean researchers—pondered, “What if we could prepare our dear patients for this journey, ensuring their sled is well-oiled and ready to glide?” And thus, the PreOperative Spinal Education for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (POSE-LSS) was born, wrapped up nicely like a Christmas present, complete with a bow. 🎁

This wasn’t just any gift, though. POSE-LSS is a treasure chest filled with (1) an educational booklet and video, much like the instructions and stories I share with my elves; (2) an in-person physical therapy session, reminiscent of the training reindeer undergo to ensure they’re in tip-top shape; and (3) a telemedicine visit with a physiatrist, ensuring everyone’s singing from the same carol sheet. 📚

Between October 2020 and October 2021, a group of brave adventurers, all at least 50 years young and scheduled for LSS surgery, embarked on this prehabilitation journey. And guess what? All 15 participants completed the POSE-LSS program, their spirits as high as a star atop a Christmas tree, showing that this novel approach was not only feasible but also as welcome as a warm mug of cocoa on a cold winter’s night. ☕

The early whispers from this winter wonderland suggest that POSE-LSS might just be the secret ingredient to a smoother recovery, with promising signs like shorter stays in the hospital and better outcomes upon discharge. It’s as if these patients were guided by the brightest star in the sky, leading them to a merry and bright future post-surgery. 🌟

So, as we close this chapter of our holiday tale, let’s remember the magic of preparation, education, and care. For in the world of LSS surgery, it seems the best gifts come in the form of innovative prehabilitation programs, promising peace, joy, and improved health to all. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good recovery! 🎄🎅