Understanding Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) & Diagnosis: Your Top Questions Answered

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a complex condition affecting many individuals who continue to experience chronic pain after spinal surgery. At ValorSpine, we understand the frustration and challenges associated with persistent back or neck pain following an operation. This FAQ aims to provide clear, authoritative answers about FBSS, its diagnosis, and how advanced, minimally invasive treatments like intra-annular fibrin injection offer new hope for lasting relief. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, helping you navigate your treatment options with confidence.

What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)?

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a term used to describe persistent or new back and/or leg pain experienced by patients after one or more spinal surgeries. Despite the initial intention of surgery to alleviate pain, many individuals find their discomfort continues or even worsens post-operation. FBSS is not a specific diagnosis but rather a general term for a complex condition where the expected relief from surgery is not achieved. It affects a significant percentage of patients, highlighting the need for alternative and effective treatment strategies beyond conventional approaches.

What causes FBSS, and why does pain persist after surgery?

The causes of FBSS are multi-faceted and can stem from a variety of factors. Sometimes, the initial surgery may not have fully addressed the underlying pain source, or new problems may develop. Common culprits include scar tissue formation, residual nerve compression, instability of the spine, muscle deconditioning, and importantly, persistent annular tears within the disc that were not healed or addressed by prior surgery. These tears can continue to allow inflammatory substances to leak, irritating nearby nerves and causing chronic pain. Identifying the precise cause is crucial for effective treatment.

How is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) diagnosed?

Diagnosing FBSS involves a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history, a thorough physical examination, and advanced diagnostic imaging. While standard MRIs are often helpful, they may not always reveal the specific issues contributing to FBSS, especially subtle annular tears. ValorSpine utilizes advanced imaging techniques and diagnostic protocols to pinpoint the exact source of your persistent pain. This often involves a detailed review of previous surgical reports and a focused investigation to identify ongoing disc issues or structural problems that were not resolved by prior interventions.

Can intra-annular fibrin injection help if I’ve already had spine surgery?

Yes, intra-annular fibrin injection can be a highly effective treatment option for patients who have previously undergone spine surgery and are now suffering from Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). In many cases of FBSS, persistent pain is attributed to unhealed annular tears in the intervertebral discs that were not adequately addressed by previous surgical interventions. Biologic disc repair works by injecting a fibrin sealant directly into these tears, promoting closure and stabilization of the disc. This approach offers a regenerative solution, targeting the root cause of pain without requiring further invasive surgery, even in a previously operated spine.

What if other treatments haven’t worked for my FBSS pain?

For individuals struggling with FBSS where conventional treatments like physical therapy, medications, or even repeated surgeries have failed to provide lasting relief, fibrin disc treatment offers a promising alternative. Unlike treatments that merely mask symptoms, biologic disc repair aims to directly address the structural integrity of the disc by repairing chronic annular tears. This focus on restoring the disc’s natural barrier can lead to significant and sustained pain relief, providing a new pathway for healing when other options have proven unsuccessful. ValorSpine specializes in these advanced, regenerative solutions.

How does biologic disc repair address the root causes of FBSS?

Many cases of FBSS are linked to persistent or newly developed annular tears in the intervertebral discs, which were not fully resolved by prior surgery. These tears allow inflammatory chemicals to escape the disc and irritate surrounding nerves, causing chronic pain. Biologic disc repair with intra-annular fibrin injection directly targets these tears. The fibrin acts as a sealant, closing the tears and preventing further leakage of inflammatory mediators. This not only alleviates nerve irritation but also helps to restore the disc’s internal pressure and stability, addressing a fundamental cause of pain in FBSS patients.

What can I expect during the recovery period after fibrin disc treatment for FBSS?

The recovery period following fibrin disc treatment is generally less intensive than traditional surgery, designed to allow the disc to heal properly. Patients are typically able to walk within 30 minutes of the outpatient procedure and are discharged the same day. For the first few weeks, it’s crucial to avoid heavy lifting, bending, and twisting to protect the healing disc. Light activity, such as daily walking, is encouraged to promote circulation. Most patients report initial improvement within the first few weeks, with more significant and lasting relief often observed at 3-6 months as the fibrin works to repair the annulus.

How long do the results of fibrin disc treatment last for FBSS patients?

The goal of biologic disc repair for FBSS is to provide long-term relief by addressing the underlying structural issues in the disc. Clinical studies indicate that a significant percentage of patients experience sustained improvement, with reported satisfaction rates of 70% at two years or more post-treatment. The fibrin injection promotes the body’s natural healing process to seal annular tears, which is intended to be a lasting repair. While individual results vary, many FBSS patients find that this treatment offers a durable solution, significantly reducing their chronic pain and improving their quality of life for years.

What are the risks of intra-annular fibrin injection compared to repeat surgery for FBSS?

Compared to repeat spinal surgery for FBSS, intra-annular fibrin injection carries significantly fewer risks. Major surgery involves general anesthesia, longer recovery times, and potential complications such as infection, significant blood loss, nerve damage, or further scarring. Fibrin disc treatment is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation. While common side effects can include temporary soreness at the injection site or a transient increase in symptoms for 1-2 weeks, severe adverse events are rare, making it a considerably safer option for many patients seeking relief from FBSS.

Is intra-annular fibrin injection covered by insurance if I have FBSS?

Currently, intra-annular fibrin injection for disc repair is not typically covered by commercial insurance plans or Medicare as it is considered an innovative, off-label use for disc treatment. This means that patients often bear the direct cost of the procedure. However, ValorSpine understands the financial considerations and offers various payment options to make this life-changing treatment accessible. We encourage you to discuss pricing and payment plans with our patient care coordinators during your consultation, as we are committed to helping you find a pathway to relief from FBSS.

How do I schedule a consultation for FBSS?

If you are experiencing persistent pain from Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) and believe intra-annular fibrin injection could be a viable solution for you, scheduling a consultation with ValorSpine is the first step. You can contact our clinic directly by phone or by submitting an inquiry through our website. Our team will guide you through the initial process, including gathering relevant medical records and imaging, to determine if you are a candidate for our advanced biologic disc repair treatments. We are dedicated to providing thorough evaluations and personalized care.

If you would like to read more, we recommend this article: Understanding Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) & Diagnosis