Revision Surgery

Overview

Revision spine surgery is a specialized procedure aimed at correcting or improving the outcomes of a previous spinal surgery that did not achieve the desired results or led to complications. As a leading consultant neurosurgeon and complex spinal surgeon, Mr. Irfan Malik offers expertise in assessing and performing revision spine surgeries to enhance patient outcomes.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for Revision Spine Surgery

Patients who may require revision spine surgery often experience:

• Persistent or recurrent pain: Ongoing back or neck pain that persists or returns after the initial surgery.
• Neurological symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs, indicating potential nerve involvement.
• Spinal instability: Feelings of instability or abnormal movement in the spine.
• Infection signs: Redness, swelling, or discharge at the surgical site, accompanied by fever.
• Hardware complications: Discomfort or pain due to issues with surgical implants, such as screws or rods.

Causes Necessitating Revision Spine Surgery

Several factors may lead to the need for revision spine surgery:

• Failed fusion (pseudarthrosis): Incomplete healing of the spinal bones post-fusion surgery.
• Recurrent disc herniation: Re-herniation of a spinal disc at the same or adjacent level.
• Scar tissue formation: Development of scar tissue causing nerve compression and pain.
• Hardware failure: Breakage, loosening, or misplacement of spinal implants.
• Adjacent segment degeneration: Degenerative changes occurring in spinal segments adjacent to the previously operated area.

When to Consult a Specialist

It is crucial to seek consultation with a spine specialist like Mr. Irfan Malik if you experience:

• Unresolved or worsening pain: Pain that does not improve with conservative treatments.
• New or progressive neurological deficits: Emergence or progression of numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the limbs.
• Signs of infection: Symptoms such as fever, redness, or swelling at the surgical site.
• Structural deformities: Noticeable changes in posture or spinal alignment post-surgery.