[Operative options for failed back surgery syndrome].

BACKGROUND: Post-nucleotomy syndrome includes all existing sequelae after surgical nucleotomy for the resection of a lumbar disc herniation, such as axial lumbar back pain and persisting radiculopathy.

OBJECTIVES: To describe underlying pathologies and to determine operative treatment options.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extensive literature research was carried out on Medline.

RESULTS: Various devices and approaches have been developed in the last decades. Nonetheless, surgical and non-surgical therapy of post-nucleotomy syndrome remains complex and frequently fails.

CONCLUSIONS: Better studies providing a better level of evidence for each sub-entity of post-nucleotomy syndrome are required.