If you've undergone spine surgery that didn't yield the expected results, you're not alone. It's surprisingly common for spine procedures to fall short of both patient and doctor expectations. This disappointment is often attributed to a condition known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), affecting many individuals who continue to experience pain even after treatment. Analyzing the reasons behind the initial surgery's failure may seem tempting, but often, other factors unrelated to the first surgery contribute to ongoing discomfort.
Living with prolonged episodes of severe pain and depression is undoubtedly challenging, making revision spine surgery a potential treatment option. Here are twelve signs that indicate you may want to consider revision spine surgery:
1. Adjacent segment disease
This condition involves the deterioration of spinal joints above and below the initial surgical site. Symptoms may include neck pain radiating down into the lower extremities, depending on the location of the first surgery. Pins and needles and loss of sensation are also common.
2. Pseudarthrosis
If bones fail to heal properly following spinal fusion surgery, a condition known as pseudarthrosis may develop. Additional surgery may be necessary to address this issue.
3. Recurring disc herniation
Recurrences of herniated discs are common following discectomy, with up to 25% of patients requiring a secondary procedure due to further herniation.
4. Sciatica
Left untreated, a compressed nerve in the back causing sciatica can lead to difficulty walking and even bowel and bladder inconsistency. Revision spine surgery may be beneficial if initial attempts to treat the problem are unsuccessful.
5. Failed back surgery syndrome
Complications such as spinal infection and pain can arise from various forms of spine surgery. Revision spine surgery can often resolve these complications.
6. Spinal stenosis
Characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, spinal stenosis compresses nerves in the spine, resulting in pain and other symptoms. Revision spine surgery may offer the most effective solution.
7. Progressive deformities
Deformities like scoliosis and osteoporosis can exacerbate pain and discomfort, impairing the ability to stand upright comfortably. If symptoms worsen post-initial procedure, revision spine surgery may be necessary.
8. Persistent nerve pain
If you continue to experience persistent nerve pain, such as sharp shooting pains or electric shock-like sensations, despite undergoing conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication, revision spine surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause.
9. Loss of mobility
A significant loss of mobility, including difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily activities, following your initial spine surgery may indicate the need for revision surgery. This loss of mobility can significantly impact your quality of life and may require further intervention to restore function.
10. Unresolved symptoms
If you have unresolved symptoms, such as persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs, after undergoing spine surgery, it could indicate that the underlying issue was not adequately addressed during the initial procedure and may require revision surgery to correct.
11. Progressive weakness
Despite rehabilitation efforts, progressive weakness in the muscles surrounding the spine or in the extremities could signal a complication or recurrence that needs to be addressed with revision spine surgery to prevent further deterioration and improve function.
12. Worsening pain with activity
If your pain worsens with physical activity or movement, indicating an inability to engage in normal daily tasks or recreational activities, it may suggest that the initial surgery did not address the underlying issue adequately. Revision spine surgery may be necessary to address any residual or recurrent problems contributing to the pain and limited function.
The bottom line
When seeking revision spine surgery, it's crucial to consult an experienced surgeon adept at identifying issues that can be effectively addressed. A thorough evaluation, including the integrity of screws and plates used in prior procedures, is essential. An experienced spine surgeon can recommend a tailored revision spine surgery technique to address your specific needs and issues stemming from the initial procedure.
