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Introduction: Low back pain persisting after spine surgery presents diagnostic and treatment complexities for spine surgeons. Failed back syndrome is a term usually used to characterize chronic back or leg pain following spine surgery. Research has indicated a range of persistent pain occurrences after spine surgery. The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) has been recognized as a potential source of pain for a long time but has not received sufficient attention in subsequent years. Dysfunctions in the SIJ can result in a spectrum of clinical conditions, such as low back pain and lower limb radiculopathy. Traditional treatment approaches for SIJ disorders often involve conservative measures such as physical therapy, medications, intra-articular injections, and surgical options. In the past decade, endoscopic SIJ ablation has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative for managing SIJ pain and dysfunction. This approach combines minimal invasiveness with precise targeting, potentially reducing morbidity and enabling quicker recovery compared to open surgical procedures. Case Report: A 60-year-old female patient with grade 2 L5-S1 lytic listhesis initially underwent lumbar interbody fusion to address chronic low back pain and radiculopathy, resulting in significant symptom resolution for a brief period. The patient experienced a resurgence of symptoms within a short duration that proved refractory to conventional medical management and interventional pain management procedures. Ultimately, the patient achieved sustained relief after undergoing endoscopic SIJ ablation. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of endoscopic SIJ ablation as an innovative treatment for recurrent lower limb radiculopathy. Focusing on the SIJ, often neglected in lumbar spine surgery, this minimally invasive procedure shows promise in alleviating symptoms and enhancing patient outcomes.
RESUMO
Background: Lumbar discal pseudocysts are uncommon complications that can arise following lumbar spine surgery. It manifests as a fluid-filled sac near the intervertebral disc, causing pain and discomfort. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and management is crucial for patients and healthcare professionals involved in postoperative spinal care. Case Description A: 35-year-old female developed a discal pseudocyst after undergoing laminectomy and discectomy for lumbar disc herniation. The patient presented with recurrent lower back pain, radiculopathy, and neurological deficit two months post-surgery. Imaging revealed a discal pseudo cyst causing compression of the traversing right L5 nerve root. Given the refractory nature of her symptoms, an endoscopic procedure was offered. Using the transforaminal endoscopic technique, the pseudo cyst was identified and removed, leading to immediate symptomatic relief. Conclusion: This article reports the rare occurrence of discal pseudocyst and highlights the use of endoscopic techniques in its surgical management. Surgeons should be aware of the minimally invasive techniques, as they can offer less morbidity, shorter recovery times, and reduced healthcare costs compared to traditional open surgery.
