failed back surgery syndrome
Also written as: FBSS — failed back surgery syndrome
Persistent or recurrent symptoms following spine surgery, representing unsuccessful surgical outcomes.
Full Definition
A complex clinical syndrome characterized by persistent or recurrent pain and functional disability following anatomically successful spine surgery. The condition encompasses various causes including inadequate initial decompression, recurrent stenosis, epidural fibrosis, adjacent segment disease, pseudarthrosis, hardware failure, or inappropriate patient selection. Symptoms may include persistent axial pain, radicular symptoms, or new neurological deficits. Management often requires comprehensive evaluation to identify specific causes and may involve revision surgery, pain management interventions, or multidisciplinary rehabilitation approaches. The term emphasizes the need for realistic preoperative expectations and careful patient selection.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred over 'failed back' alone; emphasizes syndrome rather than surgical failure.
In Context
- "The patient developed failed back surgery syndrome requiring comprehensive pain management evaluation." — clinical assessment
- "Risk factors for failed back surgery syndrome include smoking, obesity, and psychosocial factors." — patient counseling