Afterwards reading this article and taking the test, the reader will be able to:
•.
Recognize the differences between lumbar spine fusion and stabilization and betwixt the surgical approaches used to perform them.
•.
Identify the primary types of fusion and stabilization devices on the basis of their normal imaging appearances.
•.
Depict the advantages and disadvantages of different imaging methods for evaluating lumbar spine instrumentation.
Introduction
Spinal instrumentation was first described in 1911 as a method for handling of Pott illness (,1). Since and then, a wide range of devices have become bachelor, and lumbar spine instrumentation is now used in various clinical settings, including degenerative disk disease, spondylolisthesis, tumors, infection, and trauma. The choice of device depends on the clinical problem, the anatomic location, and the surgeon'due south preference. The instrumentation used in fusion surgery is not designed to supervene upon the bony elements of the spine, but to stabilize them during fusion, and it is more often than not accepted that instrumentation without intact osseous fusion will neglect (,2). Deejay replacements were developed to overcome clinical problems associated with pseudarthrosis and to reduce the incidence of adjacent vertebral segment degeneration. Dynamic stabilization devices, which are designed to limit aberrant segmental motion, may be used as an culling to vertebral fusion procedures.
To recognize normal postoperative imaging appearances or detect malpositioning or complications of lumbar spine instrumentation, radiologists need an understanding of the range of approaches, techniques, and hardware devices used in lumbar fusion and stabilization and in disk replacement. The article provides an overview of these procedures and of normal postoperative imaging features that are commonly seen at radiography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and computed tomography (CT).
Imaging of the Lumbar Spine after Instrumentation
Postoperative imaging is typically performed (a) to assess the progress of osseous fusion, (b) to ostend the correct positioning and the integrity of instrumentation, (c) to discover suspected complications (eg, infection or hematoma), and (d) to discover new disease or disease progression.
The modality and protocol used to image the postoperative spine depend on the site, the clinical question, and the type of instrumentation. There is currently no reference standard for noninvasive imaging evaluation of fusion (,iii).
Radiographic Evaluation
Radiography is the noninvasive modality most commonly used for the cess of fusion, although CT is reported to exist more accurate (,4). Radiography also is useful for the investigation of spinal instrumentation when breakage or incorrect placement is suspected (,v). However, radiography cannot be used to reliably exclude the presence of metastases to bone or of cauda equina compression, both of which are common indications for postoperative MR imaging of the lumbar spine. In the evaluation of patients after lumbar spine instrumentation, information technology is particularly important to compare the current radiographs not merely with the well-nigh recent previous images but also with multiple previous studies then every bit to identify subtle progressive changes (eg, in spinal alignment and in the position of the hardware devices) that may signify the imminent failure of a device or other complications. Flexion and extension views have been advocated for the routine assessment of fusion (,6,,7), but there is no clinical consensus regarding their value for that purpose (,8), and they are not in routine utilise at our establishment.
Evaluation with CT
CT is the modality of selection for imaging bony detail in the spine to enable accurate cess of the degree of osseous fusion; however, surgical exploration remains the reference standard for evaluating fusion. The quality of CT images may be severely degraded past starburst-type artifacts due to metallic implants, which cause marked x-ray attenuation ("hollow projections") in selected planes. Titanium has a lower x-ray attenuation coefficient than stainless steel and therefore causes a less astringent antiquity (,9). The starburst-type antiquity seen on CT images, unlike that on MR images, is not restricted to the surface area immediately adjacent to the metallic implant (,Fig 1). Patient movement often exacerbates such artifacts, although it is less commonly a problem since the introduction of high-speed multidetector CT technology. Imaging and reconstruction algorithms may help minimize starburst-blazon artifacts (,10,,11). For case, multiplanar reformation frequently results in higher-quality images that are more useful clinically than centric images solitary (,9) (,Fig 2).
MR Imaging
MR imaging is useful for evaluating sequential postoperative changes in the spine and better demonstrates intraspinal contents than do other imaging modalities. It is especially useful for detecting and monitoring infection or postoperative collections (,Fig 3). Nevertheless, magnetic susceptibility artifact may be a problem, specially in the presence of stainless steel devices (,Fig 4a,,). Modern implants fabricated of titanium alloys are less ferromagnetic and thus produce less astringent magnetic susceptibility artifacts, but these artifacts remain a significant obstacle to visualization of areas in close proximity to metallic hardware (,12) (,,Fig 4b,). Sequences have been developed to reduce the artifacts (,13), but their utilize may necessitate increased prototype acquisition fourth dimension and may result in image baloney. Gradient-echo sequences are more vulnerable to magnetic susceptibility artifact than are spin-echo (SE) sequences (,xiv) and are best avoided. Reduction of the echo time may lead to an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio while minimizing artifact. Increasing the bandwidth too helps significantly reduce the artifact magnitude with SE and turbo SE sequences, although this method also leads to a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio. At our institution, a protocol that includes a iii-dimensional T2-weighted turbo SE sequence has been developed to reduce magnetic susceptibility antiquity in the presence of titanium implants (Bryant JA, MSc thesis, 2004) (,,,Fig 4c). Nonmetallic devices, such as nonmetallic interbody spacers, are MR compatible and produce lilliputian artifact (,Fig 5a,).
Ultrasonography
The usefulness of ultrasonography for evaluation of the lumbar spine is largely restricted to the identification of postoperative fluid collections.
Nuclear Medicine
Bone scintigraphy may be performed to assess fusion (the fused segment should be "cold" later on half-dozen–12 months) (,15). It also is useful for detecting infection.
Myelography
If MR imaging is contraindicated or MR images are nondiagnostic because of artifact, myelography may be performed (,Fig 6). However, afterwards instrumentation of the lumbar spine, puncture of the lumbar thecal sac may be complicated by baloney of the anatomy (eg, scarring, removal of posterior elements, addition of bone graft material) or the presence of metallic implants. Occasionally in this situation a cervical puncture is necessary. Post-obit the injection of contrast cloth into the thecal sac, radiographs may be caused at an bending to avert obscuration of the relevant nervus roots by the implanted devices. Conventional myelography is normally supplemented with CT myelography.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation
Rigid internal fixation (spinal instrumentation) is necessary to promote os fusion, which occurs within four–five months after spinal fusion surgery, and to prevent pseudarthrosis (,3). Lumbar spinal fusion involves the insertion of bone graft material with or without one or more interbody spacers and other devices to provide boosted support and stability. Spinal fusion surgery is usually performed in patients who require decompression for nerve root pain and whose symptoms are largely diskogenic.
Instrumentation Used in Fusion
Interbody Spacers.—
Interbody spacers are made of titanium or a radiolucent material such every bit polyetheretherketone. They may be solid constructions (ramps) or openwork structures filled with bone graft material (cages) and may be used singly or paired (positioned side past side). On postoperative radiographs, the outlines of radiolucent cages get increasingly apparent as the side by side bone graft consolidates over fourth dimension (,Fig five,). Nearly spacers contain two radiopaque markers to enable radiographic assessment of the spacer position (,Fig vii). An observation of a posterior marking located at least two mm inductive to the posterior vertebral trunk margin provides reassurance that the ramp is not protruding into the spinal canal.
Plates or Rods with Pedicle Screws.—
In these devices, pedicle screws are connected by plates or rods that bridge unmarried (,Fig viii) or multiple (,Fig 9) vertebral segments. Crossbars may exist added for additional force. For multilevel fusion, rods (,Fig ten,,,) are generally preferred over plates (,Fig eleven,,,) because rods can exist individually cut and molded as required to facilitate maintenance of sagittal alignment. The tips of pedicle screws should be embedded in the vertebral bone and should not breach the anterior vertebral body cortex, but there is no consensus on their optimal length. Sacral screws may be anchored in the inductive cortex of the sacrum for additional stability.
Translaminar or Facet Screws.—
Translaminar or facet screws provide an alternative class of posterior instrumentation when the posterior spinal elements are left intact. The screws may be inserted by using a minimally invasive arroyo and oriented at different angles to avoid impingement on other screws.
Hartshill Rectangles.—
Hartshill rectangles are a fixation device that consists of stainless steel rectangles held in place posteriorly by sublaminar wires (,Fig 12,). Because the wires (particularly those at the superior end of the rectangle) contribute to the structural integrity of the device, a wire fracture is considered a significant finding. This device was used before the advent of pedicle screws but is seldom used at present.
Posterior Surgical Approaches
A posterior approach is used when posterior decompression is required in addition to fusion.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.—
The posterior lumbar interbody fusion procedure is performed by using a posterior surgical approach. Bilateral fractional laminectomies are performed (caudad and cephalad) and are followed by diskectomy. Bone graft fabric is packed into the anterior disk infinite before the insertion of an interbody spacer or two interbody spacers placed side by side and packed with graft cloth. Further bone graft textile is then packed into the remainder of the disk infinite. Posterior instrumentation is performed to provide a rigid support until os fusion occurs.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.—
This procedure is similar to the posterior one but is performed past using a more lateral approach that leaves the midline bone structures intact, minimizes central spinal canal disruption, and reduces dural tube traction and exposure. A full facetectomy is mostly performed to gain access to the lateral disk infinite. Transforaminal interbody spacers are crescent shaped and are placed anteriorly in the disk space.
Posterolateral Fusion.—
This procedure is performed as an alternative to posterior lumbar interbody fusion when at that place is a astringent loss of disk infinite height and when the insertion of a posterior interbody spacer might crusade neurologic compromise. Bone graft material is placed laterally (betwixt transverse processes) rather than anteriorly (between vertebral bodies). Posterolateral fusion is usually supplemented by posterior instrumentation.
Inductive Surgical Approaches
Fusion is performed by using an inductive approach when pain is predominantly diskogenic and posterior decompression is not required.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.—
Like the posterior and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion techniques, the anterior fusion procedure is performed to remove degenerate deejay fabric, replace disk height, and give immediate stability for anterior osseous fusion. However, anterior lumbar interbody fusion is performed past using a lower intestinal incision or retroperitoneal approach through the flank. The spacers used in anterior fusion are unmarried, big cages. These are supplemented by screws and rods or plates, which may be placed either anteriorly or posteriorly, depending on access. At the level of the L5 through S1 vertebrae and sometimes that of the L4 through L5 vertebrae, anterior fusion must be supplemented by instrumentation with a posterior approach considering the iliac crests limit lateral admission. Several rod and screw devices, such as the Kaneda device (DePuy Spine, Raynham, Mass), are specifically designed for insertion with an inductive approach (,Fig 13,,).
Stand-Alone Lumbar Interbody Fusion.—
This procedure is like to the others, but the cage is stock-still with screws to the adjacent vertebral bodies to obviate further posterior instrumentation (,Fig fourteen,,).
Vertebral Body Replacement
A vertebral body replacement may exist necessary afterward a resection (corpectomy) because of a tumor, infection, or major trauma. The vertebral trunk replacement device may exist an expandable hollow cylinder packed with bone graft material or cement, like the Synex cage (Synthes Spine, Paoli, Pa) (,Fig xv), or made of mesh, like the Moss muzzle (DePuy-AcroMed) (,Fig xvi). Vertebral trunk replacement may involve 1 or more segments. Stackable carbon-cobweb-reinforced polymer cages are radiolucent, but the metallic rods that hold them together marker their position, as do radiopaque metallic dots (,Fig 17). Lateral, anterior, or posterior screws with plates or rods are inserted for boosted stability.
Disk Replacement
Total disk replacement is performed in patients whose pain is believed to originate primarily from disk degeneration without nervus root involvement, rather than from spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis. The presence of facet joint degeneration is a contraindication to total disk replacement. There must be at least four mm of residual disk height and a lack of significant endplate degeneration to provide satisfactory anchorage for the replacement device. The goal of deejay replacement is to avoid arthrodesis-related complications of pseudarthrosis, iliac crest donor site hurting, and degeneration of the next segment. The technique is still evolving. The first human deejay prosthesis, which consisted of a single ball bearing, was inserted in the late 1950s (,16). Mod artificial disks consist of two parallel plates (commonly fabricated of a metal blend) with outside toothlike projections that are designed to anchor the device securely to the adjacent vertebrae (,17). A polyethylene core between the plates allows motion and provides cushioning (,Figs xviii,,, ,19,,).
Dynamic Stabilization
Dynamic stabilization may exist an alternative to fusion in some patients with low back pain originating from chronic degeneration of the lumbar spine. By altering load bearing and controlling aberrant motion, stabilization helps limit the stress placed on the segment next to the level of fusion and thus helps forestall progressive degeneration.
A wide variety of dynamic stabilization devices are in diverse stages of clinical development (,Table). These devices may be used lonely for stabilization or used in combination with fusion devices. Dynamic stabilization devices may be broadly grouped, according to their design, in the following categories: (a) pedicle screws and bogus ligaments (eg, Dynesys device [,Fig twenty,,,], Graf ligament [,Fig 21,,,]), (b) inter–barbed process decompression devices (eg, Wallis system [,Figs 3, ,22,,], X STOP), and (c) posterior chemical element replacement systems. Inter–barbed process devices cannot be used at the level of L5 through S1 because of the lack of a distal anchorage indicate.
Conclusions
Various fixation devices may be implanted during lumbar spine fusion procedures to prevent segmental motion while os fusion occurs; total deejay replacement may be performed equally an alternative to fusion in certain situations; and dynamic stabilization devices may be implanted to provide stability while allowing limited movement. An understanding of the types of devices used in these different procedures is necessary, as is a familiarity with normal postoperative appearances, if complications are to be recognized at imaging. In addition, noesis well-nigh the type of device and the elective materials facilitates the choice of an appropriate modality for imaging of the postoperative spine.
Dynamic Stabilization Devices
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