Back Surgery Begets Back Surgery

摘要

You probably last heard that old saying not very long ago when you and a colleague were reviewing the spinal MR images of some unfortunate patient with a history and pictorial evidence of multiple prior spine surgeries and the ominous history of “Failed Back Syndrome.” It didn’t matter if it was the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Everyone from the MR imaging technicians to the maintenance people knew exactly what this was all about: the patient had a simple starter laminectomy many years ago, which didn’t cure the symptoms and had had two or more spine surgeries since. That patient is now either addicted to painkillers, being considered for yet another surgery, or both. He may also have arachnoiditis. He probably gets frequent flier miles for his hospitalizations. He is never going to be pain-free.