The decision to undergo a second or even third spine surgery can be difficult and filled with anxiety. Revision spine surgery is a procedure performed to correct or improve upon a previous spinal surgery. As a fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in complex reconstruction and revision procedures, Dr. Jeremy Smith has the expertise to handle these challenging cases and help patients achieve a successful outcome. His opinion is backed by years of dedicated study and continued research into the newest technologies available.
Why is Revision Spine Surgery Necessary?
Revision surgery may be recommended for several reasons, including:
- Failed Fusion (Pseudarthrosis): In some cases, the bones may not fully fuse as intended after a fusion surgery, requiring further intervention.
- Adjacent Segment Disease: Increased stress on the vertebrae near a previous fusion can cause them to wear down and lead to future issues.
- Hardware Complications: Problems with screws, rods, or cages from a prior surgery may require removal or replacement.
- Failed Anterior Surgery: Sometimes, a previous anterior (front) approach does not fully resolve instability, and a posterior (back) approach is needed for additional stability.
- Persistent or New Deformity: The initial surgery may not have adequately corrected a spinal deformity, or a new one may have developed.
The First Step: A Comprehensive Evaluation
A revision surgery requires a meticulous and detailed diagnostic process to understand what caused the first surgery to fail.
- In-Depth Consultation: A thorough review of your medical history, previous surgical reports, and current symptoms.
- Advanced Imaging: Comprehensive MRI and CT scans are used to assess spinal instability, nerve compression, and the status of any existing hardware. Flexion-extension X-rays may also be used to identify underlying spinal instability.
- Personalized Surgical Plan: The information gathered is used to create a surgical plan tailored to address the specific cause of the problem.
Recovery: What to Expect the Second Time Around
While every patient's experience is unique, recovery from revision surgery can sometimes be more complex than after a primary surgery.
- Hospital Stay: The length of stay will depend on the complexity of the procedure.
- Pain Management: Your care team will create a plan with medications and physical therapy to aid in your recovery.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is essential for strengthening muscles and safely restoring mobility and function. Full recovery and fusion can take several months.
Why Your Surgeon's Experience is Critical for Revision Surgery
Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in revision procedures is crucial for a successful outcome.
- Prestigious Fellowship Training: Dr. Smith completed a highly sought-after and prestigious spine fellowship at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
- Expertise in Complex Cases: He has authored multiple full-length manuscripts in leading medical journals like SPINE and The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, making significant contributions that have advanced the field.
- A Leader in the Medical Community: Dr. Smith serves as Chief of Staff at Hoag Orthopedic Institute and is the Director of the Hoag Orthopaedic Institute Spine Surgery Fellowship, where he is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of surgeons.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Second Opinion
If you are experiencing continued pain or other symptoms after a previous spine surgery, a second opinion from a specialist is an important next step. Dr. Jeremy Smith has earned the respect of patients and fellow physicians alike and can provide the expert evaluation you need. Contact his office in Orange or Irvine to schedule a consultation.
