Revision surgery is a critical aspect of the medical field, especially in spine and orthopedic surgery. This type of surgery refers to an additional procedure performed on the spine after a patient has already had one. There are several reasons why revision surgery may be necessary, including:

• The initial procedure was not performed correctly
• Natural wear and tear has caused the pain to return
• Surgical instrumentation like grafts or spacers may have deteriorated
• The initial procedure may not have been the most appropriate for your condition
• The treatment might not have fully resolved the issue
• Recurring disc herniation or another recurring spine condition
• Injury to the spine after the initial surgery

Revision surgery includes various procedures tailored to address specific complications or failures resulting from previous surgery. Some common types of revision surgery include:

• Implant revision: These surgeries include the removal, replacement, or adjustment of implants like artificial discs, screws, or rods. This is done to address complications such as infection, loosening, or implant failure.
• Spinal revision: Focusing directly on the spine, these procedures correct problems like recurring herniated discs. When the problem is in the upper back or neck, this is known as cervical spine revision surgery.
• Revision fusion surgery: When spinal fusions fail or complications arise, revision surgery will address pain and restore functionality. If this occurs in the lumbar spine, your surgeon may refer to this as revision lumbar spine fusion surgery.

Complex revision spine surgery often involves intricate techniques, specialized instrumentation, and the expertise of a skilled surgeon like Dr. Gottlieb. This type of surgery is considered complex due to the challenging nature of the problems it aims to address.

If you are still experiencing pain following spine surgery, your doctor may not immediately go to revision surgery and instead begin with conservative treatment. Examples of this type of treatment include:

• Over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Physical therapy
• Pain management techniques like steroid injections

If non-surgical treatment fails to provide relief from your pain, or if you’re experiencing severe symptoms, revision surgery may be necessary. Some of the more serious signs that may lead to your surgeon recommending revision surgery include:

• Progressive spinal deformities
• Bowel or bladder problems have developed
• Implanted hardware has broken or moved
• A spinal infection has developed
• Your pain has gotten worse

The decision to undergo revision surgery is a complex one, often driven by persistent symptoms, complications, or the need for additional. Understanding the intricacies of revision surgery is the first step towards informed decision-making and achieving a better quality of life.