Patient handout · Spine surgery
Revision Spine Surgery
What it is
Revision surgery is another surgery on a part of the spine that was operated on before. It may be needed if pain returns, a fusion does not heal, or hardware has a problem.
This surgery is usually done in a hospital. Your surgeon will explain what to expect. Call 732-202-3000 to learn which surgeon performs it.
Why it is done
- Imaging and exam showing a specific problem that matches symptoms
- Nonunion, broken or loose hardware
- Recurrent compression or adjacent segment disease
- Symptoms not explained by nerve pain alone
What to expect
- Before: Your surgeon reviews your past surgery, imaging and sometimes nerve tests. You meet with your surgeon and may need imaging, blood tests and a health check. You will get instructions about eating, drinking and medicines, including blood thinners. Plan for a ride home.
- During: Surgery may remove pressure on nerves, fix or replace hardware, extend a fusion or correct alignment. The plan depends on what needs to be fixed.
- After: Recovery often takes longer than the first surgery. Your hospital stay and recovery depend on what was done.
Self-care tips
- Walk a little several times a day.
- Follow your limits on lifting, bending and twisting.
- Keep the cut clean and dry. Follow your wound care instructions.
- Take pain medicine only as directed. Do not smoke; it can slow healing.
When to call us
- Fever over 101°F or chills
- Redness, swelling or fluid draining from the cut
- Pain, swelling or redness in your calf
- New or worse numbness or weakness
Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
This handout is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.