An analysis of reasons for failed back surgery syndrome and partial results after different types of surgical lumbar nerve root decompression.

Background: Despite the evident progress in treating vertebral column degenerative diseases, the rate of a so-called "failed back surgery syndrome" associated with pain and disability remains relatively high. However, this term has an imprecise definition and includes several different morbid conditions following spinal surgery, not all of which directly illustrate the efficacy of the applied technology; furthermore, some of them could even be irrelevant.

Objective: To evaluate and systematize the reasons for persistent pain syndromes following surgical nerve root decompression.