Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (also called FBSS, or failed back syndrome) is a very generalized term often used to describe the condition of patients who have not had a successful result with back surgery or spine surgery, and have experienced continued pain after surgery.
More than 40% of the patients seen at The Bonati Spine Institute suffer from the pain of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome produced by back surgeries performed at other facilities.
Causes
Multiple factors can contribute to the onset or development of FBSS. Contributing factors can include:
- Residual or recurrent disc herniation
- Persistent post-operative pressure on a spinal nerve
- Scar tissue
- Degeneration of facet or sacroiliac joints
- Muscle deconditioning
Symptoms
Persistent chronic pain that is not normal in the healing process is the most obvious symptom of FBSS. Other symptoms may include:
- Diffuse, dull and aching pain involving the back, neck and/or legs
- Sharp, pricking and stabbing pain in the extremities
- Pain above or below treated level of the spine
- Numbness in the back, neck or legs
- Inability to recuperate
- Reduced joint mobility and flexibility
- Back or neck spasms
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Anxiety, depression, sleeplessness
- Potential dependency on drugs prescribed for pain
Possible Treatment - The Bonati Spine Procedures
We will review your treatment history, particularly the type of surgery performed and for what reason. Close attention is paid to the result of the surgery and how your symptoms have evolved since the surgery. Based upon our findings, one of the patented Bonati Spine Procedures performed by Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon, Alfred O. Bonati M.D., or another Bonati Spine Institute surgeon, may be able to provide immediate relief.
