title: MRI of the post-discectomy lumbar spine.
abstract: Laminectomy and discectomy are common procedures in the management of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. Complications of such surgery include recurrent/residual disc herniation, epidural scar formation, discitis, arachnoiditis and pseudo-meningocele. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI is the technique of choice for investigating recurrent symptoms following discectomy. This article reviews the normal early and late post-laminectomy MR appearances, as well as the pathological findings associated with the above-mentioned complications.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4LP, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Babar
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saifuddin
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium