[Operative options for failed back surgery syndrome].

BACKGROUND

Post-nucleotomy syndrome includes all existing sequelae after surgical nucleotomy for the resection of a lumbar disc herniation, such as axial lumbar back pain and persisting radiculopathy.

OBJECTIVES

To describe underlying pathologies and to determine operative treatment options.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Extensive literature research was carried out on Medline.

RESULTS

Various devices and approaches have been developed in the last decades. Nonetheless, surgical and non-surgical therapy of post-nucleotomy syndrome remains complex and frequently fails.

CONCLUSIONS

Better studies providing a better level of evidence for each sub-entity of post-nucleotomy syndrome are required.