Abstract

HERNANDEZ-PEREZ, P. A.. Failed back surgery syndrome. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2007, vol.14, n.6, pp.437-446. ISSN 1134-8046.

Introduction: The pain produced by degenerative disease of the spine in general and specially in the lumbar region, is a frequent motive of medical consult. The most patients improve their symptoms only with medical treatment, but some patients need surgical treatment. Moreover, between 5 to 20% of patients don’t improve after surgery or relapse in the first year after surgery. Objective: To analyze the causes of the failed back surgery syndrome, its treatment and methods for its prevention. The need of a multidisciplinary team for the evaluation of these patients is remarked. Conclusions: In the degenerative disease of the lumbar spine, the surgery is a therapeutic option only on adequately selected cases. If the only symptom is pain, the team needs to define the kind of pain and to analyze the spinal anatomical alterations in the image studies. Is very important to know how is the familiar and social environment. If it is necessary, neurophysiological studies can be made. A good selection of patients for surgical treatment and the best technique for each case is the main step for decrease the incidence of the failed back surgery syndrome.

Keywords : lumbar spine surgery; lumbar discectomy; pain; low back pain; failed back surgery syndrome.

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