The value of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of postoperative lumbar spine

Extruded lumbar discs are common reasons of lumbar pain and required appropriate surgical treatment. In 10-40% patients appear postoperative complications (e.g. recurrent lumbar disc on the same or different level, scar tissues involving nerve roots, arachnoiditis, discitis, postoperative pseudomeningocele, wrong level laminectomy) resulting recurrent lumbar pain and neurological symptoms. In our study 20 out of 216 patients have suffered recurrent back pain: 12 patients due to scar tissues, 6 patients due to recurrent discs, 2 patients due to postoperative discitis. Authors try to show the role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of postoperative lumbar spine, result of surgical treatment, analyze the reasons of recurrent back pain. (author)