Postsurgical Spine: Techniques, Expected Imaging Findings, and Complications

Abstract

Postsurgical spine imaging actually commences with the preoperative and perioperative imaging examinations that are performed before and during the patient's surgical procedure, respectively. It is in this context that postsurgical spine imaging examinations are best evaluated with a better appreciation of the changes, sometimes dramatic, that can occur following spine surgery. Careful follow-up is the rule in spine surgery, and these patients will have multiple imaging examinations over time. Some studies are performed immediately due to possible complications or exacerbation of pain symptoms, whereas others are used to assess the status of a fusion procedure. In any case it is prudent to always be aware of the overlap between the "normal" or expected imaging findings in the postoperative spine and potential pathologic processes that are developing at the postsurgical site. Additionally, a basic understanding of common spine surgical techniques and approaches is paramount toward rendering a thoughtful analysis. In this chapter, the authors discuss these imaging findings in the setting of the most commonly performed spine surgeries and emphasize the importance of active communication between the radiologist and spine surgeon.