As far as recovering, I remember being in a plaster cast from neck to hips for months and it had to be redone once because I gained weight and it became uncomfortable. After I was out of it I was fitted with a fiberglass form fitting (Velcro straps) support that I had to wear for awhile but don’t remember how long. I remember I was encouraged to get out and walk and I did. I remember hearing about others with a similar surgery who had issues with the clips that anchored the metal bars coming loose but I had no issues with recovery. I know it took time. I remember my doctor recommending that I wait to have children for 10 years..that was reasonable given I was 15😊. He also said not to go horseback riding for a while, but those are the only things I remember being limitations.