CT evaluation of interbody fusion.

Reformatted computed tomography (CT) of the spine is very useful in the evaluation of patients who have previously been treated by lumbar or cervical interbody fusions. It allows incontrovertible evidence of failure of osseous fusion as well as defines the major causes of residual or recurrent symptoms. As CT methodology becomes a routine procedure, it will be the primary diagnostic aid in evaluating postoperative posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) patients.