Optimized imaging of the postoperative spine.

Few tasks in imaging are more challenging than that of optimizing evaluations of the instrumented spine. The authors describe how applying fundamental and more advanced principles to postoperative spine computed tomography and magnetic resonance examinations mitigates the challenges associated with metal implants and significantly improves image quality and consistency. Newer and soon-to-be-available enhancements should provide improved visualization of tissues and hardware as multispectral imaging sequences continue to develop.