Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), as described by Follett and Dirks1 is the least desirable situation for any patient dealing with pain in the lumbar region. Not a syndrome in itself, but rather a syntagm, the term FBSS is generally coined to describe unsuccessful surgical results despite correct surgery. Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is an emerging public health problem throughout the World, which has the unfortunate end-results of generating liability, disability and last but not least, heavy psychological and economical tolls. This paper acts as a brief literature review and tries to summarize available data regarding FBSS epidemiology, prevention and treatment. At the same time, the authors wish to offer neurosurgeons and spine surgeons a relevant starting point on how to handle this emerging public healthcare problem and how to help minimize its impact.

Low back pain and its management can be briefly summarized as an entire industry per se. As the general age of the population increases more and more patients find themselves hospitalized with degenerative disorders of the spine which might not always mandate surgery. This article wishes to illustrate the negative tendencies regarding the increasing number of patients frequently receiving ill-advised surgery for low back pain and the consequences that further implicate the healthcare system and the economy. At the same time the authors wish to highlight the need for a national database of patients operated for spine disease and discuss a few key-items spine surgeons and neurosurgeons need to consider prior to operating patients with degenerative diseases of the spine.