Revision & Failed Fusion Surgery | Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D.

A Failed Fusion Is Not the End of the Road

“Failed back surgery syndrome” sounds final, but it simply means the pain did not resolve — and that there is a reason worth finding. The most important step in revision surgery is not the operation itself; it is correctly identifying why the first surgery did not work. Get that right, and the fix becomes clear.

Finding the Real Cause

Revision surgery only works when it targets the true pain generator. Dr. Hobbs uses the right test for each question — not just a repeat MRI.

Fine-cut CT

Shows whether the bone actually fused — far better than MRI for assessing a non-union.

Flexion-Extension X-rays

Reveal hidden motion or instability at the operated or adjacent level.

Contrast MRI

Tells scar tissue apart from a recurrent disc herniation — they are treated very differently.

Standing Alignment Films

Measure spinopelvic balance to detect flatback or lost curve.

BeforeAlignment lost after a prior fusion

AfterRestored, patient-specific alignment

Alignment is one of the strongest predictors of how you feel after spine surgery. Revision planning targets the curve, not just the hardware. Illustration courtesy of Medtronic UNiD™.

Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D.

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon · Spine Surgery

ABNS
Certified

Residency
Chicago

M.D.
Kentucky

Why Dr. Hobbs

Why Choose Dr. Hobbs for Revision Surgery

Revision Focus
Specializes in correcting failed, painful, or incomplete prior fusions.
Image-Guided Precision
StealthStation navigation and Axis robotics for safe, accurate work through scar tissue.
AI-Driven Planning
Plans alignment and construct design in advance, with patient-specific implants when needed.
Minimally Invasive When Possible
Tissue-sparing approaches to reduce new scarring and speed recovery.
Elite Training
University of Kentucky medical degree; neurosurgery residency at the University of Chicago, serving as chief resident.
Honest Second Opinions
If surgery is not the answer, he will tell you — and help you find the care that is.

Minimally invasive surgery · Robotics & navigation · Patient-specific rods

Frequently Asked Questions

Failed back surgery syndrome is a general term for pain that persists or returns after spine surgery. It is not a single problem but a group of possible causes — such as a fusion that did not heal, a nerve that is still or again compressed, hardware that has loosened, wear of an adjacent level, scar tissue, or loss of spinal alignment. The key to treating it is identifying which of these is actually causing the pain.

A fusion can fail for several reasons: the bones may not fully knit together (pseudarthrosis or non-union); the hardware may loosen, shift, or break; a nerve may remain or become compressed again; the level next to the fusion may wear out (adjacent segment disease); the spine may lose its natural alignment; or scar tissue may irritate a nerve. Dr. Hobbs uses targeted imaging to determine the specific cause in each patient.

Dr. Hobbs starts by finding the true source of the pain. That means reviewing your prior surgery, examining you, and using the right imaging — a fine-cut CT to check whether the fusion healed, flexion-extension X-rays to look for instability, an MRI (sometimes with contrast) to tell scar tissue from a recurrent disc, and standing X-rays to measure alignment. Surgery is recommended only when there is a clear, correctable problem and nonsurgical care has not provided relief.

Revision surgery is generally more complex than a first operation because of scar tissue and altered anatomy, which is why experience and precision matter. Dr. Hobbs uses image-guided StealthStation navigation, AI-driven planning, and minimally invasive techniques to work safely and accurately. He discusses the specific risks and benefits with each patient before recommending surgery.

In many cases, yes. Depending on the cause, Dr. Hobbs can often address a failed fusion with minimally invasive, tissue-sparing techniques and image-guided navigation, which can mean less pain and a faster recovery than traditional open revision. Some complex revisions require a larger approach; the plan is tailored to your specific problem.

Yes. Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D. is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in revision surgery for patients with continued or returning pain after a prior spine operation. He practices at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, with offices in Crown Point & Chesterton, Indiana.

Get a Fresh Look at Your Spine

If you are still in pain after spine surgery, a second opinion can find what was missed. Bring your prior records and imaging — Dr. Hobbs will help you understand what is going on and whether revision can help. Call today.

(219) 250-5010

Monday – Friday · 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Crown Point Office

500 E. 109th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307

Chesterton Office

601 Gateway Boulevard
Chesterton, IN 46304

Your next step

Discuss your spine care with Dr. Hobbs

Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D. is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. For questions about still in pain after spine surgery?, call the office to arrange an individual evaluation and discuss which options may be appropriate.

Consultation offices: Crown Point, Chesterton. Your symptoms, examination, imaging, and prior treatment help guide the discussion.

Call (219) 250-5010 Appointments & insurance

Request a free second-opinion review

Still in Pain After Spine Surgery?