Up to 40% of patients who undergo traditional open back surgery are victims of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
The incidence of FBSS depends upon many factors, and occurs less in the cervical region than the lumbar region. FBSS is much lower after discectomy than following spinal fusion. Concomitant disease within the back surgery patient also plays a significant role in the incidence of FBSS. After review of the studies published by the US National Institutes of Health, the only scientifically defendable statement that can be made about the incidence of FBSS is that the less invasive the spinal surgery, the less likely that FBSS will result. To date, the least invasive spine surgery is minimally invasive spine surgery such as that performed at Laser Spine Institute.
DEFINITION- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, FBSS, is not actually a syndrome but a generalized term used to describe the condition of patients who have not had successful results with spine surgery (neck or back); specifically the resulting surgery does not alleviate the problem or creates even greater problems and patients experience continuous pain after surgery.surgery.
PRIMARY CAUSES
- Failure to adequately diagnose the condition(s)
- Failure to adequately treat the condition(s)
- Surgery performed at the wrong level of the spine
- Spinal fusion failure
- Creation of new spine conditions at another level after spine fusion (very common)
- Hardware insertion
- Scar tissue formation
- Missed fragment of disc or bone still pinching nerve
- Inadequate decompression of nerve root
- Nerve damage
SYMPTOMS
- Continued/chronic pain
- New spine conditions
- Pain above or below the treated level of the spine
- Inability to recuperate
- Limited mobility
- Sharp/stabbing pain in extremities
- Dull/aching pain in neck, back or legs
- Joint immobility
- Spasms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dependence on prescription drugs
Solutions and Treatment for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Since FBSS is not one specific spine condition, the symptoms and history of each patient need to be properly diagnosed in order to determine the best course of treatment. As a first step in the individual diagnostic process, Laser Spine Institute offers a complimentary review of your most recent MRI or CT scan. A member of our medical staff will contact you to discuss your symptoms and history.
