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PROCEDURES

Complex Revision Spine Surgery

Conditions Treated

Revision surgery is typically necessary for three reasons:

  • Previous surgery If a previous spine surgery did not heal correctly, various issues may arise. These can include a lack of fusion, loose or broken screws and rods, or the spine being fused in an incorrect position.
  • New or worsening problems Problems may develop above or below a previous surgery site, causing instability or spondylolisthesis. In cases of decompression surgery for pinched nerves, surgical decompression without fusion can yield favorable outcomes. However, over time, further deterioration of the disk and facet joints can lead to recurrent stenosis and instability.
  • Degenerative etiology Most spine problems requiring surgery in adults are primarily caused by degeneration. Even when surgery is performed to address a specific level of the spine, degenerative processes continue in other areas. Consequently, if those other areas progress to a point where surgery is necessary, it is often required to fuse the new and old surgery levels during the procedure.

Procedure Overview

Different conditions require different solutions, and the exact steps to the revision procedure will be tailored to the individual patient’s needs, focusing on resolving the challenges that developed from the initial surgery. Revision surgery will generally follow these steps:

  • Preoperative assessment A surgeon will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, imaging studies, and symptoms to identify the specific issues requiring the revision surgery.
  • Anesthesia General anesthesia will be administered to ensure complete comfort and unconsciousness throughout the procedure.
  • Incision Depending on the nature of the complications, an incision is made at the site of the previous surgery or at a new location.
  • Exposure The surgeon will carefully navigate the layers of tissue to reach the affected area, taking care to minimize disruption to surrounding structures.
  • Correction of issues Specific issues encountered during the evaluation are addressed, which may include adjusting or replacing hardware, removing scar tissue, addressing inadequate fusion, or correcting misalignments.
  • Augmentation or extension In some cases, additional graft material may be added to enhance fusion, or the fusion may be extended to adjacent levels to ensure stability.
  • Closure Once the necessary revisions are made, the incision is meticulously closed, and sutures or staples are used to secure the skin.

Recovery

Recovery from revision surgery is based on the complexity of the procedure and the individual patient. Hospital stays typically range from a few days up to a week. The initial recovery phase will involve managing pain, monitoring incision sites for healing, and ensuring early mobility. During this period, activities like heavy lifting, bending, or twisting may be restricted to facilitate healing. Depending on the nature of the surgery, a brace may be recommended to aid in stabilizing the spine during recovery.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role in optimizing recovery and helping regain strength, mobility, and functionality. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and address any postoperative concerns. The timeline for returning to normal activities can vary. While some patients may be able to resume certain activities within a few weeks, full recovery may take several months.

Revision spine surgery poses greater challenges compared to operating on a spine with no prior surgery. It requires experience, skill, and most importantly, the willingness of both the surgeon and the patient. Patients undergoing revision spine surgery often face a more extensive operation and may have gone through a difficult recovery before. However, it is crucial for patients to be courageous and recognize that revision spine surgery can significantly improve symptoms and enhance their quality of life. To learn more, schedule an appointment with Avramis Spine & Scoliosis.
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Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.

GET IN TOUCH

Contact

Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.