Magnetic Resonance lmaging of the PostoPerative Lumbar SPine

Abstract

Recurrent back pain and disability after surgery (FBSS) represents a difficult diagnostic problem both clinically and with conventional imaging techniques including CT. Imaging plays a vital role in the evaluation of these patients. The anatomic information provided by imaging study together with the patients clinical presentation allows the choice of the proper surgical procedure if indicated. This should in turn diminish the number of cases ofFBSS.

This study aimed to emphasize the role of MRl in the diagnosis & assessement of the different postoperative lumbar spine complications causing FBSS.

The review of literature enclosed the following considerations about the lumbar spine: 00 Anatomical & normal MRI considerations.

oo Pathological considerations including: ** Degeneration of the intervertebral disc that is classified into diffuse annular bulge or nuclear herniation. A herniated disc can be subclassified as protruded, extruded or sequestrated. **Some surgical procedures for tlte lumbar spine: 1) Decompressive procedures as laminotomy, laminectomy & discectomy. 2) Fusion procedures & Fat grafting. 3) New superior techniques as: Microdiscectomy or percutaneous nucleotomy, percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal disc removal & reconfiguration, percutaneous laser disc decompression & back implant. ** Normal MRI appearance of the postoperative lumbar spine: After laminotomy, laminectomy, discectomy & after spinal fusion or fat graft insertion.