The assessment and management of the failed back, Part II.
Despite adequate surgery a number of patients have a return of back pain and sciatica following operation, the so-called failed back. The results of a prospective study of 101 patients entering an intensive rehabilitation programme for the failed back is described. The programme consists of a team approach to the patient and his problems, using a variety of techniques to produce pain relief. Non-organic pain represents a significant problem in the failed back; 58% of patients were completely or substantially relieved of their pain. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation was found to be the single most useful treatment with exercise second. Non-organic pain was able to be relieved by this programme.
Wynn Parry
C B
CB
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Great Britain.
Girgis
F
F
D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000628:therapy; D010358:Patient Participation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012944:Social Support; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000379:methods*