Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Before you undergo elective spine surgery, you should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of the surgical procedure. While all types of surgery have some level of potential risk, certain types of spine surgery have a higher risk of failed back surgery syndrome than others. Understanding your risks can help you make an informed choice about the type of surgery you should choose to treat your spine condition.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a generalized term that is used to describe the condition of patients who have experienced unsuccessful results following spine surgery to treat neck or back pain. Specifically, the term applies when spine surgery has not alleviated the original problem or has created other, more significant problems, resulting in continuing or worsening pain.

It is estimated that up to 40 percent of patients who undergo traditional open back surgery experience failed back surgery syndrome. The incidence of failed back surgery syndrome, or FBSS, depends upon many factors. For instance, FBSS tends to occur more frequently in the lumbar (lower) region than in the cervical (upper) region of the spine. Additionally, your risk of developing FBSS is much higher following an open spinal fusion procedure than after undergoing a minimally invasive technique.

Common symptoms associated with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome include diffuse, dull and aching pain involving the back and/or legs. Patients may also complain of sharp, pricking, burning or stabbing pain in the extremities.