Imaging of the postsurgical spine

Some early complications (hematoma, spondylodiscitis, pseudomeningocele) can occur with all types of surgery while late complications vary with the type of surgery. After discectomy, postsurgical changes (osseous and ligamentous defects, scar tissue, granulation tissue) should be distinguished from postsurgical complications or recurrent disease (recurrent disc herniation, arachnoiditis, spondylodiscitis). Following spinal decompression and fusion procedures, standard radiographs and CT can confirm the adequate position of the fusion devices, the presence of fusion, and the development of late osseous complications: pseudarthrosis, instability and recurrent stenosis.