MR image of the intervertebral disc following discectomy

MRI of a group of 51 patients with clinical diagnosis of discopathy of the lumbar spine has been presented. The patients were subject to three MR examinations (before and 6 as well as 12 weeks after the surgery). This yielded the image of the intervertebral disc in discopathy and the healing processes following discectomy. MRI of the intervertebral disc 6 weeks post surgery was unspecific with no difference between recurrent hernia and post-surgical scar. For a clear image of postsurgical pathology, enhanced MRI with Gd-DTPA contrast is required.