Follow-up studies with Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging of the asymptomatic postdiskectomy lumbar spine

This paper investigates the potential or plain and Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging after lumbar diskectomy in postoperatively asymptomatic patients. In 30 patients with an uncomplicated postoperative course, 36 lumbar disks had been operated because of protrusion, prolaps, or sequestrated prolapse. T2-weighted sagittal spin-echo images and T1-weighted axial images were acquired before and after intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg body weight). MR studies were performed 4--12 days and 6--9 months postoperatively