Imaging of post-operative spine in intervertebral disc pathology

Musculoskelet Surg. 2017 Mar;101(Suppl 1):75-84. doi: 10.1007/s12306-017-0453-4. Epub 2017 Feb 6.

Abstract

This work is an imaging review of spine after surgery with special regard to imaging modality in intervertebral disc pathology. Advances in imaging technology can be evaluated. Depending on the clinical question is asked to the radiologist, it is possible to evaluate post-operative patients with conventional radiology (X-ray), computed tomography and magnetic resonance. Main indications for each technique are analysed. Imaging is important in the diagnosis of many forms of spine pathology and plays a fundamental role in evaluating post-surgical effects of treatments, according to the imaging method which is used, both on spine and on its surrounding tissues (intervertebral discs, spinal cord, muscles and vessels).

Keywords: CT; Disc herniation; MRI; Post-operative spine; Spine; X-ray.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods
  • Discitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Discitis / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc* / diagnostic imaging
  • Intervertebral Disc* / pathology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spinal Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Injuries / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed* / methods
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Contrast Media