What is Post Laminectomy Syndrome?
Post-laminectomy syndrome, sometimes also called failed back syndrome, is a medical condition that is classified by persistent or chronic back pain and possibly leg pain, following spinal surgery and typically after a laminectomy surgery.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is pain, which is often described as dull and aching affecting the axial back. The pain may also affect the buttocks and legs. It can often be compared to sciatic pain. If the laminectomy was in the neck, the pain may radiate from the neck to the shoulders and into the arms.
Causes and Risks
This condition is caused by failed laminectomy procedure or a spinal cord surgery. The surgical procedure performed on the spine is performed to remove the dangerous pressure on the spinal cord nerve or nerve roots. In some cases, after the laminectomy procedure, the bone and or soft tissue may continue to press on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Additionally, as scar tissue develops, more pressure and irritation may result.
The following are the possible reasons why failed back surgery may aggravate back pain.
- Adjacent Segment Disease
- Joint instability or hypermobility
- Scar tissue formation
- Recurrent disc herniation
- Damage to the spinal nerves
- Increased strain on the surrounding joints
Treatment and Prevention
Treatments may include:
- Interventional Pain Management
- Medical Management
- Corrective Surgery
