Abstract
The detection of infection after surgery on the thoracic and lumbar spine is difficult due to the anatomical circumstances. Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and most radiological techniques are of limited diagnostic value. Among other benefits, sonography offers the advantage of early postoperative examination, even with metal implants in the operated area. In a retrospective study, 27 patients with clinically suspicious wounds were evaluated by sonography in the postoperative follow-up; all cases were verified by puncture and/or operative revision. Eleven cases turned out to be hematomas, and 16 cases were found to be infections. Accumulations of fluid, however, could not be differentiated by the established sonomorphological criteria such as internal echo structures, septation, demarcation from the environment, and reaction of the surrounding tissue. Ultrasonically guided transcutaneous needle aspiration biopsy served to differentiate the local findings and to establish the diagnosis and therefore is required as an obligatory method of investigation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
