What happens if a spine surgery goes wrong?

After any spine surgery, a percentage of patients may still experience pain. This is called failed back or failed fusion syndrome, which is characterized by intractable pain and an inability to return to normal activities.

Can you sue for failed back surgery?

Medical malpractice law states that if an injury or death occurs because of a surgical error, and the error was caused by negligence or could have been prevented, the victim can file a surgery complications lawsuit in order to recover damages. However, not all failed surgeries are medical malpractice.

What is the percentage of failed back surgery?

What Percentage of Back Surgeries Fail? The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that 20 to 40% of back surgeries fail. Patients having repeated back surgeries have a much higher chance of failure. One study found only 30% of second back surgeries are successful.

Why do so many back surgeries fail?

During surgery, the following factors may lead to failed back surgery syndrome: Failing to create enough space around spinal nerves/spinal cord (inadequate decompression) Creating too much space around nerves, which may lead to spinal instability (excessive decompression)

Why are my legs so weak after back surgery?

The most common way is due to the mechanical compression of nerve roots, the spinal cord, or the dural sac. They may occur via an expanding, space-occupying process such as a nerve root edema, an epidural hematoma, or via compressor instrumentation.

What is the most common surgical error?

Common Surgical Errors Unnecessary or inappropriate surgeries. Anesthesia mistakes, such as using too much or not being mindful of a patient’s allergies. Cutting an organ or another part of the body by mistake. Instruments and other foreign objects left inside patients.

Can you sue for nerve damage after surgery?

If your nerve damage was caused by a botched or failed surgery, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Oftentimes nerve problems after surgery resolve on their own, but sometimes the damage is more severe and will cause lifelong issues. This is when you may want to explore filing a lawsuit.

How do I know if my Microdiscectomy failed?

In over 90% of patients, this successfully prevents the disc from pressing on the nerve, and ultimately reduces or cures back, leg, or neck pain. But in some patients, the pain comes back. If you find that you have any pain after your recovery, you may have a failed microdiscectomy.

Can a discectomy fail?

Researchers believe that failed back surgery occurs in anywhere between 10% to 40% of lumbar laminectomy surgeries (with or without spinal fusion). Other studies show that 5% to 36% of people who undergo a discectomy for a lumbar herniated disc saw their leg and back pain return just 2 years after surgery.