Computed tomography of the postoperative lumbar spine
In the postoperative patient ordinary radiographs of the spine generally add very little information, revealing the usual postoperative bone changes and often postoperative narrowing of the intervertebral space. Myelography may sometimes be informative, showing evidence of focal arachnoiditis or a focal defect at the surgical site. However, the latter finding is difficult to interpret. As experience with high-resolution CT scanning of the lumbar spine has been increasing, it is becoming apparent that this noninvasive and easily performed study can give considerably more information about the postoperative spine than any of the other current imaging methods. About 750 patients with previous lumbar laminectomies had CT scanning within a 28 month period.
- Research Organization:
- Hahnemann Univ., Philadelphia, PA
- OSTI ID:
- 5550355
- Journal Information:
- AJR, Am. J. Roentgenol.; (United States), Vol. 141:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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