Treatment / Revision / Revision Spinal Surgery

MOTION PRESERVING

REVISION | LAS VEGAS

Revision Spinal Surgery

Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada

Understanding Failed Spine Surgery

Spine surgery has a high success rate in appropriately selected patients, but a subset develop recurrent or persistent symptoms following prior procedures. Failed back surgery syndrome, adjacent segment disease, and progressive deformity can all require revision spinal surgery.


Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas evaluates and manages complex revision spine cases, including patients who have had prior fusions or decompressions at other centers.

Conditions Requiring Revision Spine Surgery

  • Adjacent Segment Disease: Progressive degeneration of discs above or below a prior fusion causing new symptoms that may require surgical treatment.
  • Failed Prior Fusion: Non-union of a prior spinal fusion causing pain and instability requiring revision with additional fixation or bone grafting.
  • Recurrent Disc Herniation: Re-herniation of disc material at a previously operated level causing recurrent radicular symptoms.
  • Progressive Deformity: Development or progression of spinal deformity following prior instrumented fusion.
  • Hardware Failure: Breakage or loosening of prior instrumentation causing pain or instability.

Evaluation Before Revision Surgery

Revision spine surgery requires thorough evaluation to identify the specific cause of symptoms. Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas reviews all prior imaging and operative reports, obtains updated imaging as needed, and performs a detailed clinical assessment before recommending any revision procedure.

Not all patients with continued symptoms after spine surgery have a surgically correctable problem. Dr. Lee will honestly advise patients when revision surgery is unlikely to improve their situation.

Revision Spinal Surgery

Revision spinal surgery is planned individually based on the specific failure mechanism identified. Dr. Andrew Lee performs revision spine cases at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas.

Procedures may include revision decompression at prior surgical levels, extension of prior fixation to additional segments, revision of failed fusion with additional bone grafting, or correction of progressive deformity. Each revision plan is developed based on detailed preoperative analysis.

The goals of revision surgery are clearly defined with the patient before proceeding, with realistic expectations established for what can and cannot be achieved.

The primary goals of this procedure are to:
  • Address the specific cause of symptoms following prior spine surgery
  • Achieve solid fusion where prior fusion has failed
  • Decompress neural elements causing recurrent symptoms
  • Correct progressive deformity where indicated

Potential Risks

  • Higher complication rates than primary spine surgery due to scar tissue and altered
  • Dural tear: More common in revision surgery due to adhesions.
  • Nerve injury: Scar tissue increases risk during revision dissection.
  • Infection: Risk is elevated in revision cases.
  • Incomplete relief: Not all revision cases achieve the desired outcome.
  • Prolonged recovery: Revision surgery often requires longer recovery than primary procedures.

Postoperative Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery following revision spinal surgery varies significantly based on the procedure performed. Dr. Lee provides individualized rehabilitation guidance based on the specific revision completed.

Most revision spine patients require three to six months for meaningful functional improvement.

What to Expect After Surgery

Outcomes from revision spine surgery are discussed candidly before proceeding. While many patients achieve meaningful improvement, results are generally less predictable than primary spine surgery. Setting realistic expectations is an essential part of
Dr. Lee’s preoperative process.

Regular follow-up monitors fusion progress and guides rehabilitation following revision spine surgery.

Do not soak your wound.

No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.

Wound Care and Medication Management

Follow wound care instructions carefully following revision spine surgery. Monitor for signs of infection and contact Nevada Spine Clinic immediately for wound concerns.

Take all prescribed medications as directed including any bone health medications recommended to support fusion healing.

Activity Guidelines After Surgery

Activity restrictions following revision spine surgery are individualized to the procedure performed. Dr. Lee reviews specific guidelines at discharge and each follow-up appointment.

Contact Nevada Spine Clinic or the nearest emergency room immediately for sudden neurological changes, fever, or wound concerns following discharge.

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No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.

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Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas

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