What is failed back surgery syndrome, and what are the causes?

Failed back surgery syndrome, or post laminectomy syndrome, is a general term used to describe the condition of patients who still feel chronic pain after spine or back surgery. The term is somewhat misleading as returning back pain does not mean that the surgery failed. Success rates of back surgeries vary, and it is always best to discuss all possible options with your doctor.

Typical causes of failed back surgery syndrome:

• The patient may not have been a good candidate for surgery.
• The procedure was performed in the wrong location of the back.
• Scar tissue formed around a nerve root.
• The body rejected a bone graft.
• Fusion hardware used in the surgery failed.
• Nerve damage occurred during surgery.
• The patient developed an infection.

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