Post Laminectomy Syndrome

The term post laminectomy syndrome is used to describe persistent pain after spine surgery. Failed Back Surgery Syndrome or Failed Back Syndrome are older names for this condition. The diagnosis of post laminectomy syndrome is given when there is persistent or recurrent neck or neck and arm pain following neck surgery, or back or back and leg pain following low back surgery. Post laminectomy syndrome is most common after fusion or laminectomy but can occur following discectomy as well. There are many possible caused for the condition including recurrent disc herniation, epidural fibrosis (scarring), arachnoiditis, persistent pathological changes in nerve tissue resulting in chronic neuropathic pain, structural changes in the spinal column, and progression of  degenerative processes.