Imaging of the lumbar spine

Abstract

Over the past year, several authors have addressed the topic of imaging of the lumbar spine. Some articles focused on correlating lumbar spine imaging findings with clinical findings in both preoperative and postoperative patients. Others discussed single-photon emission tomography in various problem-solving roles. Several articles dealt with the issue of lumbar nerve root enhancement, and the significance, if any, of this enhancement in correlating with clinical findings. Finally, several authors discussed plain computed tomography, myelography, and magnetic resonance imaging with respect to their role in screening versus their problem-solving potential.