The role of tomography in the evaluation of the postoperative spinal fusion.

Abstract

Despite the fact that pseudarthrosis is the most common complication after posterior spinal fusion, no reproducible diagnostic method has been established. This study analyzes the accuracy of the anteroposterior trispiral tomography in evaluating the posterior spinal fusion mass. Tomography was shown to be both sensitive and specific in its ability to detect the presence or absence of a pseudarthrosis. Radiation exposure is not increased when tomography is performed in lieu of less accurate diagnostic studies. Anteroposterior trispiral tomography is a useful adjunct in the routine postoperative evaluation of the patient who has undergone a posterior spinal arthrodesis.