POST LAMINECTOMY SYNDROME

This condition is also referred to as “failed back surgery syndrome.” Many factors can contribute such as residual or recurrent spinal disc herniation, post-operative pressure spinal nerve compression, altered joint mobility, scar tissue, spinal muscular deconditioning, etc.

WHAT CAUSES POST LAMINECTOMY SYNDROME?

At the Tampa Back Institute, we aim to exhaust all conservative treatments before recommending surgery. We are proud to say that over 75% of our patients are successfully treated without surgical intervention. If and when we detect the opportunity for surgical intervention, we ascertain all relevant information and relay it to the patient. In doing so, we can collaborate to establish a plan that works for both the physician, and more importantly, the patient.

Nonetheless, even when the direct ailment is properly treated with surgery, there can be unforeseen and residual issues that arise. Surgery itself, although mostly beneficial, can often be a source of trauma.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH POST LAMINECTOMY SYNDROME?

Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Upper back pain
• Lumbar Spine Pain
• Radiating pain into the back or legs
• Abnormal sensibility in extremities (sharp, pricking, and stabbing pain)
• Continuation of pre-operative symptoms

HOW IS POST LAMINECTOMY SYNDROME DIAGNOSED?

In order to properly diagnose Post Laminectomy Syndrome, your physician will obtain a detailed medical history and conduct a thorough physical exam. The physical exam may require patients to walk or bend at the waist in order to assess patient’s spinal mobility. Neurological evaluation, to test reflexes, may be conducted to ascertain if nerves were damaged during the surgery.

For further confirmation, or exploration of associated symptoms or underlying causes, your physician may recommend extra studies in the form of X-Rays, MRIs, CTs, Nerve Tests, and/or bone density tests.

HOW IS POST LAMINECTOMY SYNDROME TREATED?

The treatments of post-laminectomy syndrome include physical therapy, low force chiropractic care, stimulators, minor nerve blocks, NSAID medications, membrane stabilizers, spinal cord stimulation, etc. Use of epidural steroid injections may be minimally helpful in some cases.

If these treatments fail, patient may require a revisional surgery.