The multiply operated back: fusion of the posterolateral spine with and without nerve root compression.

This report reviews the outcome of surgery for back pain in 50 patients who had had previous back surgery. All were treated by exploration and posterolateral fusion of the spine. Those with nerve root irritation had thorough nerve root decompression including wide laminectomy when needed. Back pain was relieved in 44 of 50 patients, and sciatic pain was relieved in 38 or 43 patients. Postoperative functional activity (return to work) was regained in 24 of the 30 patients in whom this could be assessed. In six patients with back pain and in five patients with sciatic pain surgical benefits were insignificant; these were rated as poor results. In six patients the rehabilitation goal of satisfactory level of activity was not achieved.