Imaging the Postoperative Lumbar Spine: A Review

Lumbar spine surgery is a frequently performed procedure and can result in complications. Complications can occur at any time during the postoperative course, and knowledge of imaging findings is crucial for early detection. Imaging plays a critical role in the evaluation of patients with lumbar spine surgery. Cross-sectional imaging can be degraded by artifacts from metallic hardware, but artifact-reduction techniques help to improve image quality and enhance early and accurate detection of complications. We reviewed common surgical approaches, the roles of various imaging modalities, hardware artifact‐reduction techniques, and surgical complications with case examples.

Learning Objective: To review the imaging findings of patients after lumbar spine surgery for early detection of complications and techniques to improve imaging.