The Open Pain Journal

2023, 16 : e187638632305250
Published online 2023 July 11. DOI: 10.2174/18763863-v16-230627-2022-15
Publisher ID: e187638632305250

REVIEW ARTICLE
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: An Updated Review

Abdelilah Rhoul1, * , Mohammed Gartit1 , Mohammed Noumairi1 , Siham EL. Mir1 and Ahmed Amine EL Oumri1

*Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed I University, Oujda, Morocco; E-mail: abdelilahrhoul@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Background:

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a known condition with severe morbidity. Usually described as pain that either does not improve or worsen after back surgery. Although many possible causes leading back pain to persist after surgery were described, the exact pathology remains not elucidated and the management could be very challenging.

Objectives:

This review aims to discuss different causes of this syndrome besides the different current therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion:

A good assessment of the clinical presentation based on the history of pain and physical examination in addition to the MRI input, help to detect the cause of the persistent pain. The therapeutic options are wide, from pharmacological to interventional methods. Nevertheless, a multidisciplinary approach is frequently needed to treat FBSS patients.

Keywords:

Failed back surgery syndrome, Post lumbar surgery syndrome, Persistent spinal pain, Back pain, Back surgery, Chronic pain.