Many people go under the knife to treat a wide range of spine-related issues, such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis. Unfortunately, these procedures aren’t always effective. Some patients end up needing revision spine surgery to correct the problem and gain lasting relief.
Are you worried that your initial procedure failed? Discover insights from a spine surgeon in New York and learn whether you may need a corrective spinal surgery.
Understanding Revision Surgery for Spinal Deformities
Surgeons have innovative techniques for treating various spinal deformities. However, up to 21% of people who undergo spinal surgery require a second procedure later on to treat the same issue, according to a study published in the medical journal Spine.
When the initial back surgery fails, patients may face increased pain or spinal instability. Their quality of life could suffer as a result of the failed procedure, and they may end up questioning whether relief is possible.
While additional procedures are not always ideal, revision spine surgery can be quite effective. One study published in the EAS Journal of Orthopaedic and Physiotherapy found that 74% of revision surgery patients experienced significant pain relief within the first six months.
Five Indicators You Need Revision Spine Surgery
How can you tell if you need a corrective spinal surgery? Below are some of the biggest indicators that someone needs revision spine surgery.
1. Severe or Persistent Back Pain
As many as 80% of Americans will experience back pain throughout their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. If a patient who has already undergone spinal surgery begins to experience recurrent or persistent back pain, it may indicate that the procedure was not fully effective. A second procedure may be necessary to correct the problem and alleviate pain.
2. Hardware Failure or Implant Complications
To treat various spinal health issues, surgeons may implant rods, screws, or other hardware. If these pieces happen to shift or become loose after the procedure, it can cause greater spinal instability and discomfort. Physicians will need to check for any complications and plan a revision surgery to address them.
3. Sensation Changes
Failed spinal surgery could lead to nerve compression. When this happens, patients may experience changes in sensation, such as numbness or tingling in their arms or legs. Their limbs may also start to feel weak as a result of the nerve compression.
4. Adjacent Segment Disease
This condition can often point to the need for revision spine surgery. If someone undergoes spinal fusion surgery, the discs either above or below the fusion site could start to degenerate. Doctors will likely need to review diagnostic images of the spine to confirm disc degeneration before planning a post-fusion revision.
5. No Response to Conservative Treatments
Post-surgical patients are often advised to begin physical therapy or use pain medications during their recovery. If they rely on these measures but still find no relief from their symptoms, it may be time to explore a revision surgery.
Connect With a Spine Specialist in New York
It can be incredibly frustrating to undergo an invasive spinal surgery and experience no relief. If you’re dealing with persistent or recurrent back pain after a spinal surgery, the New York Spine Specialist team may be able to help. We treat everything from adjacent segment disease to spinal stenosis and can perform a revision spine surgery that offers lasting relief.
Our physicians are happy to answer all of your questions regarding spinal surgery expectations and recovery. We’ll explore minimally invasive techniques and develop a care plan tailored to your needs.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To book an appointment at one of our New York locations, call (516) 335-0111.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about undergoing corrective spinal surgery and the signs that you may need this procedure.
What Is Revision Spine Surgery?
Revision spine surgery is a corrective procedure used to treat various back problems. It is performed after an initial surgery that either failed to treat the condition or created additional health problems due to complications.
What Are the Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
Some common symptoms of FBSS are persistent pain, muscle spasms, and numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations in the limbs.
How Will a New York Spine Surgeon Determine if Surgery Is Necessary?
To determine if you need revision spine surgery, a surgeon will review your symptoms and order diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.