It is possible to undergo spinal fusion surgery more than once, also known as revision surgery. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that aims to join two or more vertebrae together, typically using bone grafts, screws, rods, or plates. It is commonly performed to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs.
However, there are cases where the initial spinal fusion surgery may not achieve the desired outcomes or complications may arise, leading to the need for revision surgery. Revision surgery is often necessary when the initial fusion fails to achieve adequate spinal stability or when there are complications such as hardware failure, infection, or adjacent segment disease.
One of the main reasons for revision surgery is persistent or recurrent pain. Most patients who decide to undergo revision surgery continue to experience chronic pain months or years after their initial surgery. Something has clearly gone wrong either during or after the initial surgery, and an additional procedure is deemed necessary to correct the problem.
Revision surgery can also be required if there are issues with the hardware used in the initial fusion. For example, screws, rods, or plates may become loose, break, or shift out of position. This can lead to instability and pain, requiring the hardware to be repaired, replaced, or repositioned.
Infections are another reason for revision surgery. Although efforts are made to prevent infections during the initial surgery, they can still occur. In some cases, the infection may not be effectively treated with antibiotics alone, and surgical intervention becomes necessary to remove the infected hardware or clean the affected area.
Adjacent segment disease is a condition where the vertebrae above or below a previously fused segment become degenerated or develop instability. This can lead to pain and may require revision surgery to address the new problem area.
It is important to note that revision surgery is typically more complex and carries higher risks compared to the initial fusion surgery. Scar tissue from the previous surgery can make the revision procedure more challenging, and there may be less bone available for grafting. Additionally, the overall success rate of revision surgery may be lower than that of the initial surgery.
If you are considering revision surgery, it is crucial to consult with a qualified spine specialist who can evaluate your specific situation and determine the best course of action. They will consider factors such as the cause of the initial surgery’s failure, your overall health, and the potential risks and benefits of revision surgery.
While spinal fusion surgery can be performed more than once, it is typically reserved for cases where there were complications or inadequate outcomes from the initial surgery. Revision surgery may be necessary to address persistent pain, hardware issues, infections, or adjacent segment disease. It is a more complex procedure with higher risks, so careful evaluation and consultation with a spine specialist are essential.