Diagnostics before spondylodesis | Spondylodesis

Diagnostics before spondylodesis

Spondylodesis (spinal fusion) is a major operation and can take several hours, depending on the extent of the planned procedure. Detailed surgical preparation is necessary to determine the extent of the operation. On the one hand, with regard to spinal mobility and the duration of the operation, only those parts of the spinal column with disease value should be operated on, on the other hand, all changes causing complaints must be removed in order to achieve an optimal operation result.

1. anamnesis examination The patient’s history of suffering is usually long and characterized by a variety of conservative therapeutic measures. Only when all conservative therapeutic measures have been exhausted without result should a spinal fusion operation be considered. Typical complaints are: 2nd X-ray The X-ray examination is the basic examination of the imaging diagnostics in spondylodesis.

Signs of wear and tear and instability of the spine can be easily detected. In addition, the vertebral arch closure disorders can be easily recognized on so-called oblique images. 3. magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to assess soft tissue changes (intervertebral discs, nerve roots, spinal cord, etc.).

Spinal canal narrowing and nerve root obstructions can be detected, and statements can be made about the state of wear of the intervertebral discs. Furthermore, fresh and old vertebral body fractures can be distinguished and infections of the intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies can be detected. 4 Myelography/Myelo-CT During myelography, contrast medium is injected into the spinal cord tube for diagnostic purposes of spondylodesis.

Vertebral canal narrowings with displacement of the spinal cord as well as the outgoing nerve roots can be best assessed. The vertebral joints are also particularly accessible for assessment.

• Local back pain
• Back pain radiating into the arms or legs
• Feeling of weakness in the arms or legs
• Significant reduction of the maximum walking distance
• Emotional disorders