Exploring Spine Surgeons' Perspectives on Salah (Islamic Prayer) Performance Postsurgery. A Time for Consensus?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Islamic Studies

Background:

• Postoperative recovery after spine surgery presents challenges for Muslim patients resuming Islamic prayer (Salah).
• Salah involves physical movements like kneeling and prostration, potentially impacted by spinal procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate spine surgeons' perspectives on the optimal timing for resuming Salah post-spine surgery.
• To identify conditions for unrestricted Salah resumption after various spinal interventions.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of spine surgeons in Saudi Arabia.
• Data collected on surgeon demographics, experience, and recommendations for Salah resumption after specific spinal surgeries.
• Statistical analysis using the chi-squared test.

Main Results:

• Recommendations for resuming Salah post-lumbar discectomy with fusion varied, with 91% suggesting 4 weeks.
• For lumbar discectomy without fusion, 43% advised 4-6 weeks, influenced by surgeon experience.
• Significant variations in recommendations were observed based on surgical specialty, surgeon experience, and educational level.

Conclusions:

• Surgeons' recommendations for resuming Salah post-spine surgery are inconsistent.
• Factors such as surgical type, surgeon experience, and education influence these recommendations.
• Development of standardized guidelines is needed for consistent postoperative care regarding Salah resumption.