Postoperative Spine: What the Surgeon Wants to Know

Imaging of the postoperative spine is commonly obtained but is often challenging to interpret. Accurate and clinically relevant interpretation requires a strong understanding of the preoperative spinal pathologic condition, the surgical procedure performed, and the expected imaging appearance of postoperative changes. This article reviews common surgical approaches to the degenerative spine, the most appropriate imaging modalities to use, how to optimize imaging protocols, and how to interpret those images. The reader will therefore possess the tools required to effectively assess postoperative spine imaging, identify early and late complications, and provide the surgeon with relevant information to guide patient management.