What Is Failed Back Surgery?

Failed back surgery is a medical condition that occurs when a surgical outcome is unfavorable. Failed back surgery is predicted in 5 to 40 percent of patients who undergo lower back surgery, according to Virtual Medical Centre. (Resource 1)

Causes

• Causes of failed back surgery can be attributed to a relapsing herniated disc, scar tissue build-up, problems associated with the technical aspects of the surgery or aspects of the patient's condition not related to the back, but to another underlying condition.

Diagnosis

• The diagnosis of failed back surgery can be difficult for a physician. Imaging tests, including X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan, help to diagnose the underlying cause.

Treatment

• Treatment options vary depending on the diagnosis of the contributing cause of the failed back surgery. Symptoms often are treated with physical therapy, muscle relaxers and pain medication.

Risks

• When an individual undergoes surgery, risk always is involved. With a failed back surgery, the risk increases of having continual back pain, nerve compression and trouble returning to the workforce due to complications.

Considerations

• An individual, who is considering back surgery as an option, after conventional treatments were unsuccessful, should consult with a health care professional about all the potential risks of back-surgery failure.