Review of Radiologic Findings Associated with Complications of Cervical Spine Fixation Surgery 

Education Exhibits - Space 0110CE-e

Aaron Kaplan MD and Amilcare Gentili MD

UCLA and UCSD

Abstract:

Imaging of the cervical spine is a classic radiologic examination, which is seen by most radiologists. Being as accurate as possible is critical to patient management as misinterpretations of findings can yield devastating results. Making this exam even more challenging to interpret is the post-operative cervical spine. Often times, the underlying pathology that led to the surgery and their associated findings are complex. Furthermore, superimposed on such pathology, are the various hardware devices used in fixation. These need to be analyzed systematically to assess proper placement, fixation, and hopefully spinal stability. The goal of this exhibit is to demonstrate a wide spectrum of complications associated with surgical instrumentation of the cervical spine.