Optimal medical, rehabilitation and behavioral management in the setting of failed back surgery syndrome

• Published in: Neuro-chirurgie Vol. 61; pp. S66 - S76
• Main Authors: Desai, M.J, Nava, A, Rigoard, P, Shah, B, Taylor, R.S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.03.2015
• Subjects: Algorithms; Behavioral management; Cognitive Therapy - methods; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Failed back surgery syndrome; Failed Back Surgery Syndrome - drug therapy; Failed Back Surgery Syndrome - psychology; Failed Back Surgery Syndrome - rehabilitation; Humans; Lombo-radiculalgies postopératoires; Neurosurgery; Optimal medical management; Post-laminectomy syndrome; Prise en charge médicale optimale; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rehabilitation; Réhabilitation; Surgery; Syndrome post-laminectomie; Évaluation comportementale; Évaluation comportementale; Lombo-radiculalgies postopératoires; Failed back surgery syndrome; Behavioral management; Post-laminectomy syndrome; Prise en charge médicale optimale; Syndrome post-laminectomie; Optimal medical management; Rehabilitation; Réhabilitation
• ISSN: 0028-3770; 1773-0619
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2014.09.002

Abstract Introduction Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) constitutes a constellation of symptoms grouped together and attributed to prior surgical intervention. Clinicians often poorly understand the heterogeneity of this condition combined with the etiological factors responsible for its development. Therefore, it would follow that an algorithmic treatment approach to patients diagnosed with this syndrome might pose challenges. The clinical work-up of the patient involves history, examination and appropriate diagnostic imaging as well as behavioral assessment. Materials and methods We sought to conduct a narrative review of the available literature focused on the medical, rehabilitative and behavioral treatment of FBSS. To that end, we conducted a literature search using PubMed (through March 2013). We focused on studies published over the last 20 years. Only English language articles were included. Search terms included “failed back surgery syndrome”, “FBSS”, “failed back syndrome”, and “post-laminectomy syndrome”. Studies included in our review focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies, and case series (retrospective and prospective). Studies were organized by intervention (e.g. medical management, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and psychosocial) and presented to emphasize the quality of evidence (e.g. RCTs, prospective studies, etc.). Conclusion Overall, the literature provides very limited guidance on the comprehensive management of patients suffering from FBSS. There are rehabilitative interventions and behavioral protocols that demonstrate promise. Pathways based on medication management remain difficult to clearly define.