Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is defined as continuing pain or discomfort after a surgical procedure such as laminectomy, discectomy, or spine fusion. A patient undergoes surgery, but the cause of pain remains or is aggravated.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Prevent the Progression of Symptoms

Early intervention can prevent the progress of a condition, which may worsen with increased and debilitating pain and complications. A delay in treatment could turn into chronic pain and even lead to permanent nerve damage.

Enhances Treatment Outcomes

Early intervention improves the likelihood of successful outcomes. Most non-invasive strategies are thus more likely to be resolved early because they can cure a condition with physical therapy, medications, or injections.

Avoids the Need for Further Surgery

Early treatment can prevent the necessity of further, more aggressive surgeries. It may be possible to use more conservative treatments that will help alleviate pain and improve function without the need for another surgery.

Improves Quality of Life
Early intervention helps patients manage and maintain mobility, control pain, and resume daily activities, improving overall well-being and preventing long-term disability.

What are the Common Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

  • Persistent or Recurring Pain
  • Nerve Pain
  • Limited Mobility
  • Weakness
  • Sensory Changes
  • Instability or Loss of Function

Causes and Risk Factors of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Causes

  • Incorrect Diagnosis
  • Unrecognised conditions
  • Infection
  • Scar Tissue Formation
  • Incomplete Surgery
  • Adjacent Segment Disease
  • Psychological Factors
  • Nerve Damage or Injury
  • Spinal Instability or Deformities
  • Overuse or Physical Stress
  • Degenerative Changes
  • Age and Health Conditions
  • Unsuccessful Surgical Techniques

Risk Factors

  • Age
  • Weakened Immune System
  • Chronic Health Conditions
  • Intravenous Drug Use
  • Previous Spinal Surgery or Invasive Procedures
  • Poor Nutrition
  • Obesity

Connect with our advisor for a PRIORITY response

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome in Turkey

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is one of the most popular methods; its nerve stimulation can target pain in cases of failed surgery. Minimally invasive revision surgery is also common, causing the least tissue damage. Advanced imaging modalities such as intraoperative CT and navigation systems provide better accuracy during such procedures. Platelet-rich plasma regenerative medicine is developing fields in pain management and repair of tissues.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Prevention Tips

  • Congenital Spinal Cord Malformation risk is reducible through lifestyle modifications and preventive practices despite unalterable risk variables such as age and gender.
  • Opt for a spine surgeon who is both qualified and experienced in minimally invasive and advanced spine procedures.
  • Try conservative treatment with physiotherapy, pain management, or injections before resorting to surgery.
  • It is essential to follow every piece of advice, including restrictions on activity, rehabilitation exercises, and medications to encourage recovery.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, refrain from smoking, and do regular back-strengthening exercises to lessen the stress on the spine and possible complications.

Treatment options for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

The medical treatment for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome requires evaluating the fracture severity, neural involvement, and patient medical condition. The following are the treatment options:

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): They heat and deactivate the nerves that transmit pain signals.

Neurostimulation: The implantation of a spinal cord stimulator into a patient delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord. Patients suffering from FBSS receive this therapy to prevent pain signals and, as a result, help heal chronic pain.

ADR: In some scenarios, artificial spinal discs replace the damaged spinal discs within the spinal column.
Spinal Fusion: It remains an option for persistent or recurrent pain after prior back surgery. Spinal fusion can be an option when more conservative treatments, like physical therapy, medicines, or injections, do not help to relieve the symptoms.


Cost Start From USD 10000 - USD 22000Explore Options

These are the standard diagnostic methods for diagnosing Failed Back Surgery Syndrome :

Clinical Evaluation

  • History and Symptoms: During the assessment, the physician needs information about the previous surgical procedure and symptoms of back pain, numbness, and weakness to determine spinal cord involvement.
  • Physical Examination: Physical check-ups examine spinal nerves and nerve compression and evaluate the spine tenderness levels.

Imaging Studies

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging: MRI is the best modality for diagnosing Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. It takes high-resolution spine images and gives information about early signs of infection, such as disc degeneration and/or abscesses, and changes in the vertebral endplates.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scan is the other way used in case MRI is unavailable or contraindicated; it provides detailed images of the vertebrae and disc spaces.
  • X-rays: The most specific sensitivity in early detection is not very high; it can rule out fractures and other abnormalities in the spine and show late findings of narrowed disk spaces or vertebral destruction.
  • CT Myelography: This method injects a contrast dye into the spinal canal and is most often used when MRI cannot be employed. It helps find compression of nerves, scar tissue, and hardware failures.

Electrodiagnostic Studies

  • Nerve conduction studies: The nerve conduction study (NCS) measures the electrical activity in the nerves. It indicates any nerve damage or irritation that might explain the ongoing pain.
  • Electromyography (EMG): EMG tests muscle response to nerve stimulation and can detect abnormal muscle activity related to nerve injury, neuropathy, or radiculopathy.
  • Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP): Measures the electrical response of the spinal cord and brain as a result of stimulation from sensory nerves. SSEP assists in evaluating the function of the spinal cord and the conduction of nerves.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.

Physiotherapy

It aims to strengthen the muscles of the spine core and enhance the flexibility of body movements. Proper postures and mechanical body movements are taught, which could reduce strain and pain in the spine. It may also feature aquatic therapy and manual techniques.

Pain management

Includes medications, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and TENS for pain control, which, in turn, would enable rehabilitation exercises.

Psychological Support

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychological counselling for addressing emotional factors such as anxiety and depression help not only in managing pain through unmindfulness but also in coping with chronicity.

Multidisciplinary
The Rehabilitation Department consists of experts such as physical therapists, pain management experts, and occupational therapists and, therefore, recognises a holistic treatment plan that is entirely individual.

Instantly Connect with our Specialists

Doctor 1
Doctor 2
Doctor 3
Doctor 4
Doctor 5
Doctor 6
Doctor 7
Doctor 8

Hospitals for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome in Turkey

Medicana Bursa Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Medicana Bursa Hospital

Bursa, Turkey

Medicana Bursa Hospital located in Bursa, Turkey is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Covers an indoor area of 40,000 sqm
  • 22-storey building
  • Capacity of 300 beds (100 intensive care beds and 200 single rooms)
  • Intensive care units with general intensive care units (reanimation)
  • Operating rooms are available for all kinds of surgeries
  • Cardiovascular surgery ICU
  • Neonatal ICU (NICU)
  • Coronary ICU
  • Emergency room
  • Bursa Hospital provides a 5-star hotel comfort to its patients and their relatives
  • Cinema and Conference hall with Medical explanations
  • Rest areas
  • Cafeteria
  • Game and Hobby sections for children
  • Dining room (designed for 1000 employees)
  • Terrace Rest Area
Acibadem Bakirkoy Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Acibadem Bakirkoy Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Acibadem Bakirkoy Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • This hospital has as many as 102 beds with intensive care beds (27), operating theatres (7).
  • There is also one heliport in the hospital that is used for the purpose of emergency transfer within the hospital.
  • The operating theatres as well as inpatient facilities have been upgraded vis. a vis. technology and infrastructure in the year 2008 and 2009 and both outpatient as well as inpatient were upgraded as recently as in the year 2017.
  • A very well developed Neonatal Intensive care unit.
  • Some popular specialties and departments of Acibadem Bakirkoy Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey are Cardiology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Family medicine, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Neurology and Oncology.
Acibadem Hospital Taksim: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Acibadem Hospital Taksim

Istanbul, Turkey

Acibadem Hospital Taksim located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • With 93 beds, 6 operating theatres, Acibadem Hospital, Taksim, Istanbul, Turkey is a well equipped healthcare facility.
  • It has exceptional infrastructure which is at par with the best in the world.
  • The ICU of this hospital comprises 10 beds, which is inclusive of isolation room beds (2).
  • Also, when we talk of Neonatal ICU, it consists of 7 beds inclusive of an isolation room bed.
  • Robot-assisted Surgery and Radiology departments are a sign of the technological advancement in the hospital.
  • The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department ensures a seamless transition through the recovery period.

Our Services to better your experience

Opinion & Option

We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review

Consult Privately

Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel

Logistics

We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.

Recovery

Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome

Why Choose Turkey for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Treatment?

Effective Cost

The cost of medical treatment in Turkey proves to be more economical than Western pricing yet remains equivalent to high-end treatment standards. The treatment path covers operative steps and follows all post-surgical phases.

World-Class Infrastructure

The healthcare system in Turkey operates multiple facilities accredited at the international level, which combine highly experienced orthopaedic surgeons who receive patients with complicated spine injuries, including Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

Advanced Technology

The diagnosis and treatment in Thai medical centres benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge procedures, including minimally invasive surgical methods and robotic-assisted solutions.

Skilled Specialists

Doctors specialising in orthopaedics and neurosurgery are in high numbers throughout Turkey because Thai medical specialists possess international recognition for their outstanding spinal treatment capabilities.

Language Support
Thai hospitals offer multilingual support to fulfil international patient needs by assisting in numerous country languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

FBSS can result from incorrect surgical technique, new disc herniation, epidural fibrosis (scar tissue), degeneration of adjacent segments or continued irritation of the nerve roots after the intervention.

Research estimates suggest that between 20% and 40% continue to experience pain after any type of back surgery, although this may vary based on the type of surgery and patient factors.

Treatment comprises physical therapy, pain management (medications, injections), psychological support (CBT), and, in some cases, further surgical intervention or spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain alleviation.

Symptoms that may accompany surgery consist of chronic back pain, leg-related pain, numbness or tingling sensations, weakness, and limited movement. These symptoms may go on or worsen after intervention.

No, surgery is rarely the first option. Most treatments for FBSS typically include conservative therapies like physical therapy, medications, and injections. If a surgical reason causes the pain, reoperation is the best option.

Yes, some medications give pain relief, such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, muscle relaxants, and opioids (for severe pain); antidepressants and anticonvulsants can also assist in their roles.

Depending on the treatment, some non-surgical treatments may take about a week, while for surgery, the stay may be around 2-3 weeks, including recovery.

Yes, in most hospitals, English-speaking case coordinators and translators are available and provide international patient services to ensure comfort.

Yes, it is well-recognized that depression, anxiety, or stress can magnify the perception of pain and may adversely affect recovery. Management of these, for instance, through cognitive behavioural therapy, can assist.

While there is no single cure-all for everyone, most patients with FBSS manage to get most of their pain significantly decreased and have much better function from the combination of treatment methods, which generally involve physical therapy and medications as well as lifestyle alterations.