For many patients, undergoing spine surgery near Miami dramatically improves their quality of life by resolving their painful symptoms and facilitating proper physical function. However, the spine is a highly complex structure and it is possible for some patients to experience persistent symptoms months after their initial spine surgery. If this describes you, you might consider talking to an orthopedic surgeon about having revision spine surgery.
Should Someone with Scoliosis Have Revision Surgery?
Patients with severe cases of scoliosis may have spine surgery to stabilize the spine and prevent further abnormal 
curvature. During scoliosis surgery, the surgeon typically fuses two or more vertebrae together. Although spinal fusion can be very effective for managing scoliosis, some patients may require revision spine surgery. Over time, the vertebrae that were not fused may develop abnormal curvatures that need to be corrected. Rarely, adjustments need to be made to the fused vertebrae. During revision surgery for scoliosis, the orthopedic doctor can explant previously implanted hardware, cut the fused structures, and realign the vertebrae into a more favorable position. Then, the surgeon can fuse the vertebrae again.
What Are the Other Reasons for Revision Surgery?
Scoliosis patients aren’t the only individuals who might consider revision spine surgery. Patients who underwent a discectomy to address a herniated disc might undergo another discectomy if another disc ruptured. Other common reasons for revision surgery include improper healing or infection after the initial surgery, instability of the spine, and improper placement of implanted devices.
Is Revision Surgery More Complicated?
Revision surgery isn’t automatically considered more complicated than the initial spine surgery; however, it certainly can be. Usually, this is because the initial spine surgery involved changes to the spinal anatomy. Sometimes, scar tissue develops after the first surgery, which presents additional challenges for the orthopedic surgeon. Furthermore, it is often more difficult to rebalance a spine that has been previously fused. This is why it’s advisable for patients who are considering revision spine surgery to choose an orthopedic doctor who has extensive experience in this area.
