Magnetic resonance imaging of the postoperative spine

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.