Revision Spine Surgery
Like all surgery, spine surgery comes with risks and complications. Failed back surgery, when surgery does not fix the condition, can be complex. Non-surgical treatment may be the best path for reducing pain. Some patients become candidates for revision spine surgery.
Revision spine surgery is a specialized procedure that requires a high level of skill and expertise. Patients considering revision surgery should work closely with their surgeon to understand the procedure’s risks and benefits and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
What is Revision Spine Surgery?
Revision spine surgery is a surgical procedure that treats spine pain that continues three or more months after spine surgery. The goal of the procedure is to control pain by correcting postsurgical complications, such as:
- Excess scar tissue
- Disc herniation
- Postsurgical infection
- Hardware failure
- Spine instability or degeneration unrelated to the first surgery
- Poor bone fusion (pseudoarthrosis)
Dr. Stephanie de Vere, Spine Surgeon at Sano Orthopedics, has 2 fellowships in complex spine. She is an expert of this procedure using the latest advancements in surgical techniques.
How is a Revision Spine Surgery Performed?
At Sano, a revision spine surgery can be performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure based on what your surgeon feels is best for your condition.
During a revision spine surgery, the following steps are performed:
- Incision and exposure. An incision is made near the painful area. Muscles and soft tissues are retracted.
- Complication correction. New bone may be placed in the affected area, hardware may be removed, new hardware and/or a bone growth stimulator may be implanted.
The incision is carefully closed to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Total procedure time varies between 1-4 or more hours. Physical therapy is typically started as soon as possible to expedite recovery. As healing progresses, patients can return to daily activities. Depending on the extent of the revision spine surgery procedure, recovery may take 6 weeks to 3 months.
Is revision spine surgery for you?
The decision to undergo revision spine surgery is typically made after a thorough evaluation by an experienced spine surgeon who will assess the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and imaging studies. The surgeon will also consider the potential risks and benefits of the revision surgery and the patient’s overall health and ability to tolerate the procedure.
Revision spine surgery can be complicated and is a big decision. We want to help you reduce pain and will find a treatment path best suited for you.