If you have any questions about REDO or revision spine surgery, please call or visit our office or your primary/referring physician. This patient information is not a replacement for in-person professional medical advice.
General overview
Many patients seeking consultation with Dr. Bennett have had one or more previous spine surgeries and some will require additional surgery. In some patients, this will be many years after a previous surgery that was initially successful. In other this may be for a second opinion after a preliminary surgery did not go as expected. No matter what the cause or timeline Dr. Bennett will review the case in detail and review your options so that you can make the best decision regarding your care.
What to expect
Dr. Bennett and his team will review your history, previous procedures and treatments, and your current symptoms. Common questions include being specific about where the pain is, if you feel weak, and what makes your symptoms better or worse. He will also perform a physical exam and review your outside records. Often, additional imaging or tests may be needed in order to formulate the diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan. Once all of the information has been gathered, Dr. Bennett will work with you to develop a plan that meets your individual needs and goals.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring any outside records or imaging to my appointment?
Yes - outside records are very helpful in figuring out what has been done previously.
If my first surgery did not work, how can I expect a second to go any better?
Often times a surgery may work for many years and the patient may go on to develop symptoms down the road. In some ways, this is a success given that it gave the patient relief for a substantial period of time.
In some cases, surgery does not go as expected, but that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. Revision (redo) spine surgery does not have a 100% success rate but is greatly beneficial for many patients still experiencing symptoms.
What if additional surgery isn’t an option?
In some cases, additional surgery may not be the best option. Fortunately, Dr. Bennett works with a large interdisciplinary care team. No matter the situation, Dr. Bennett will work to find the right strategy for you.