Herniated Lumbar Disk. Diskectomy..Pathological postoperative scar

PREFACE. This paper provides a review about imaging assessment of the spine after treatment. This discussion is preceded by a detailed examination of spinal disorders (major cause of surgery and/or interventional radiology) and its various types of treatments used in daily clinical practice.In general, any surgical approach alters the normal anatomical and functional arrangement of the district which is aimed, therefore image interpretation cannot ignore a correct set of knowledge in the field of anatomy, pathophysiology, drug compliance, interventional radiology, surgery. Neuroradiological imaging plays an important role in the post-operative evaluation of patients undergoing spinal surgery. In particular, it is essential in documenting normal and pathological post-treatment changes, specific to approach type; in detecting any complications and in the follow-up. Imaging assessment of spine after surgery is complex and depends upon several factors including: surgical procedures and disease for which it was performed; biomechanical of the underlying cortical and cancellous bone; conditions of muscles, intervertebral disc and ligaments;time since surgery procedures; duration and nature of the postsurgical syndrome. Depending upon these factors, one or a combination of complementary imaging modalities (XR, CT, MR) may be required to evaluate effectiveness of the treatment; to demonstrate any clinically relevant abnormality at the treated region and adjacent structures; to assist the interventional radiologist or surgeon in deciding if it is necessary intervene again, in which nature and in which vertebral level(s).