Revision Spine Surgery
Revision spine surgery addresses persistent or recurrent symptoms after previous spine surgery. Dr. Greenberg provides comprehensive evaluation and expert surgical solutions for complex cases requiring a second opinion or corrective procedure.
When Revision Surgery Is Considered
- Persistent pain after adequate healing time
- Recurrent disc herniation
- Failed fusion (pseudarthrosis)
- Hardware complications or malposition
- Adjacent segment disease
- Incomplete decompression
Revision Surgery Approach
Comprehensive Evaluation
Review all prior records, imaging, and surgical reports
Problem Identification
Advanced imaging to pinpoint exact cause of symptoms
Surgical Planning
Customized approach based on specific problem
Expert Execution
Advanced techniques to address complex anatomy
Common Revision Procedures
- • Revision decompression
- • Hardware removal/replacement
- • Fusion extension
- • Pseudarthrosis repair
- • Adjacent level surgery
- • Infection treatment
Benefits of Expert Revision Surgery
- Addresses root cause of persistent symptoms
- Comprehensive problem-solving approach
- Advanced surgical techniques
- Improved quality of life
- Prevention of further complications
- Restoration of function and mobility
Risks & Considerations
- Increased complexity due to scar tissue
- Higher risk of nerve injury
- Longer operative time
- Extended recovery period
- Possibility of incomplete symptom relief
Recovery Timeline
Surgery Day
Hospital stay varies by complexity; 1-3 days typical
Initial Healing
Careful activity restrictions; wound healing; pain management
Progressive Recovery
Gradual activity increase; physical therapy; symptom improvement
Long-term Healing
Continued improvement; return to full activities; fusion assessment
Ideal Candidates
- Persistent symptoms 6+ months after surgery
- Clear identifiable problem on imaging
- Failed conservative management
- Good overall health for surgery
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
Alternative Treatments
Conservative Options
- • Extended physical therapy
- • Pain management and injections
- • Spinal cord stimulation
- • Activity modification
Surgical Alternatives
- • Staged procedures
- • Minimally invasive approaches
- • Alternative fusion techniques
- • Motion preservation options
Why Choose Greenberg Spine for Revision Surgery
Fellowship Training
Advanced training at Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Brown University
Diagnostic Expertise
Comprehensive evaluation to identify exact problem
Advanced Techniques
Latest technology and methods for complex cases
What to Expect
Evaluation Process
- • Comprehensive history and examination
- • Review of all prior surgical records
- • Advanced imaging studies (MRI, CT, X-rays)
- • Detailed surgical planning
Surgery Day
- • General anesthesia with monitoring
- • Variable procedure duration (2-6+ hours)
- • Possible overnight observation
- • Immediate post-operative assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Expert Second Opinion
Schedule a comprehensive evaluation to determine if revision surgery can help resolve your persistent symptoms.
Related Procedures
Information is educational, not medical advice. Outcomes vary. Consult Dr. Greenberg for personalized evaluation and treatment recommendations.