الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Aim of the work
To assess the role of computed tomography in post operative lumber spine patients.
Conclusion
This study has confirmed the enhancing effect of contrast medium on lesions considered being due to fibrosis. Such enhancement contributed to a more confident radiological opinion where the initial radiological opinion was less than definite.
Enhanced CT is also used for the evaluation of discitis, arachnoiditis and pseudomeningocele with added CT myelography in the later one.
Merits of CT include its availability, rapidity and easy performances as well as the relatively diminished costs. It could be used when there is strong contra-indication of MRI performance for example in patients with metallic ferromagnetic implants or in patients with pacemakers.
With the improved soft tissue imaging capability of MRI, particularly for the evaluation of the spinal cord, thecal sac, spinal ligaments and paravertebral soft tissues, it is considered more valuable in differential diagnosis of recurrent herniated disc and extradural scar.
The most common cause of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) has been the lack of adequate information before the first surgical procedure. CT and MRI should provide an accurate means of preoperatively assessing both the bony and soft-tissue disease of the spine.
In this era of increasingly cost-conscious health care, it is crucial for the clinician to understand the appropriate selection and sequencing of diagnostic tests. This will result not only in more cost effective diagnosis, but also in better patient care and management.