Question 1

what can you do to minimize internal scar tissue after back surgery?

Accepted Answer

Newer Biologics : In the past we had certain chemical materials to prevent scarring around the nerves. Ones own fat from the wound may in some cases help. There are newer biologics such as amniotic membrane that also can reduce scar formation.

Question 2

can internal scar tissue be removed that resulted from back surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Internal scar tissue can be removed but there is a risk that it will grow back and perhaps be worse than before.

Question 3

how to you treat scar tissue from a previous back surgery? can it be surgically moved?

Accepted Answer

Internal or external: Internal scar tissue can cause pain that can lead to more surgery which can lead to more scar tissue. It can become a nightmare. An ugly external scar could be re excised or treated with a fractional resurfacing laser or both for cosmetic reasons. If the external scar is a keloid, then treatment is more complicated than just cutting it out.

Question 4

i've had 2 back surgeries- a microdiscectomy at l5/s1 & l4/l5. i've got scar tissue & am still in pain. i use tens, inversion, pt, neurontin, norco, cymbalta, and am trying injections. any new ideas/tx for me to try? i'm only 23 & i feel like i'm 80.

Accepted Answer

Adhesiolysis: Cassara 1st NO more surgeries on your back .
FInd an Anesthesiologist in your area who will do a minimal risk type of epidural injection BUT without steroids . This injection is called lysis of adhesions or Adhesiolysis  with a medicine called "Hyaluronidase". This injection will break up the scar tissue that has entrapped the nerves in your back. It must be performed with physical therapy

Question 5

i had back surgery and i have a bruise on the right side and pain near the scar on my spine. what could be causing this?

Accepted Answer

Positioning : Bruising on your side may be due to the way your body was positioned during surgery. As far as scar pain? Is it red, draining etc. have surgeon take a look at it

Question 6

i had back surgery in december this was because my previous surgery caused  a infection  why does the scar burn like fire 1st surgery was to put rods in lower back this caused a bow in my back so he went back in and put longer rods this cause bones in my

Accepted Answer

I : I am so sorry to hear of your unfortunate situation. Obviously you need close follow up with the surgeon in order to address your complaints. As far as the scar burning "like fire", this is likely nerve pain due to nerve damage sustained during the surgery. The nerve will regenerate but this will take time. In the meantime, there are medications aimed at relieving nerve pain (i.E neurontin, (gabapentin) lyrica) please ask your doctor about these medications.  
I wish you the very best.

Question 7

back pain continues after l4/l5 fusion last spring. post-op i developed scarring & lumbosacral arachnoiditis. does this fall under the definition of "failed back surgery"? i can't stand long & have sensory ataxia so i'm not in a good spot. thank you?

Accepted Answer

: It could be. But a good exam and an MRI/CT would help. In the meantime do PT under the care of a good Therapist and use local pain control with things like heat, pain patches or TENS. See your surgeon or get another opinion. Hope you feel better.

Question 8

i had back surgery 3 years ago and ended up with a spinal leak. i still have pain. will an mri of my lumbar spine with and without contrast show scarring or arachnoiditis. i will be seeing a pain doctor next week can he see this on an mri?

Accepted Answer

: Highly likely that post-operative scarring would be clearly and unambiguously imaged on an MRI.  Arachnoiditis is a clinical correlation as it is indeed a reason for chronic pain secondary to pre-existing events.  A pain specialist is an excellent choice.

Question 9

i had septoplasty surgery a week ago and the incision seems to be open. will the scar tissue fill it in or do i need to go back and stitch it back up. ?

Accepted Answer

Open incision: Go back to the surgeon and discuss this. he has to check if it is infected  or other issues, if it is indeed open.

Question 10

i tore my acl and miniscis in july 2015. i had surgery at the end of july to repair them  then in august i had surgery to remove scar tissue   the scar tissue has come back forming a knot which is painful and limits my mobility what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Where is: the "scarring" you mention..in the joint??(Arthrofibrosis) or around the joint???? ( "keloid" )

In any case if there is a "knot" possibly a steroid injection will help...or surgical excision is needed!

Your Orthopedist is the person you should be in contact with!

Hope this helps!
Dr Z

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Doctor answers about:

Scar tissue after back surgery

A member asked:

What can you do to minimize internal scar tissue after back surgery?

A member asked:

Can internal scar tissue be removed that resulted from back surgery?

A member asked:

How to you treat scar tissue from a previous back surgery? can it be surgically moved?

A member asked:

I've had 2 back surgeries- a microdiscectomy at l5/s1 & l4/l5. i've got scar tissue & am still in pain. i use tens, inversion, pt, neurontin, norco, cymbalta, and am trying injections. any new ideas/tx for me to try? i'm only 23 & i feel like i'm 80.

A member asked:

I had back surgery and i have a bruise on the right side and pain near the scar on my spine. what could be causing this?

A member asked:

I had back surgery in december this was because my previous surgery caused a infection why does the scar burn like fire 1st surgery was to put rods in lower back this caused a bow in my back so he went back in and put longer rods this cause bones in my

A member asked:

Back pain continues after l4/l5 fusion last spring. post-op i developed scarring & lumbosacral arachnoiditis. does this fall under the definition of "failed back surgery"? i can't stand long & have sensory ataxia so i'm not in a good spot. thank you?

A member asked:

I had back surgery 3 years ago and ended up with a spinal leak. i still have pain. will an mri of my lumbar spine with and without contrast show scarring or arachnoiditis. i will be seeing a pain doctor next week can he see this on an mri?

A member asked:

I had septoplasty surgery a week ago and the incision seems to be open. will the scar tissue fill it in or do i need to go back and stitch it back up. ?

A member asked:

I tore my acl and miniscis in july 2015. i had surgery at the end of july to repair them then in august i had surgery to remove scar tissue the scar tissue has come back forming a knot which is painful and limits my mobility what should i do?

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