ABSTRACT
-Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an excellent technique for evaluating the postoperative
spine when the patient has chronic or recurrent symptoms. Potential causes of pain
following lumbar surgery include arachnoiditis, stenosis, epidural fibrosis and disc
herniations, pseudomeningocele, and infection. The postoperative cervical spine may
be complicated by hematoma, canal or foraminal stenosis, disc herniation, and cord
abnormality. This article reviews standard imaging protocols, the normal postoperative
appearance of the spine, and the characteristic imaging findings for each of the abnormal
postoperative conditions.
KEYWORD
Arachnoiditis - epidural fibrosis - postoperative spine
