Imaging the postoperative spine

Rashmi S Thakkar; John P Malloy 4th; Savyasachi C Thakkar; John A Carrino; A Jay Khanna

doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2012.04.006

Imaging the postoperative spine

Radiol Clin North Am. 2012 Jul;50(4):731-47. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2012.04.006.

Authors

Rashmi S Thakkar¹, John P Malloy 4th, Savyasachi C Thakkar, John A Carrino, A Jay Khanna

Affiliation

¹ The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. rthakka4@jhmi.edu

PMID: 22643393
DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2012.04.006

Abstract

Imaging assessment of the postoperative spine is complex and depends on many factors. Postoperative imaging studies evaluate the position of implants, adequacy of decompression, fusion status, and potential complications. This article provides a review of various imaging techniques, with their advantages and disadvantages, for the evaluation of the postoperative spine. It also gives an overview of normal and abnormal postoperative appearances of the spine as seen via various modalities, with an emphasis on postoperative complications.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Decompression, Surgical
Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
Myelography / methods
Positron-Emission Tomography
Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
Postoperative Period
Prostheses and Implants
Spinal Diseases / diagnosis*
Spinal Diseases / surgery
Spinal Fusion
Spine / surgery*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
Total Disc Replacement
Ultrasonography