|
| Imaging modality | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|
| Ultrasound | No ionizing radiation
Fluid collection
Identification [10, 11] | Intraoperator variability
Inferior 3D imaging
Limited use in the assessment of postoperative complications [10, 43] |
|
| Radiography | Hardware assessment: alignment, loosening, and migration [5]
Dynamic image: flexion, extension, and lateral [6] | Nondiagnostic in some scenarios
Metal artifact
Low three-dimensional features and soft tissue resolution [7] |
|
| Computed tomography | Excellent bone detail
Superior 3D imaging
Assessment of instrumentation [12]
Fusion progress and bone graft incorporation [13] | Metal artifact caused by a prosthesis [15]
Cannot differentiate acute from chronic changes
Overestimation of lucencies
High radiation dose [34] |
|
| Magnetic resonance imaging | Superior for evaluating discs, soft tissues, and intradural and cord pathologies
Detection and monitoring of infection or fluid collections
No ionizing radiation [18–20] | Magnetic artifacts [15, 21]
Known contraindications: pacemaker
Unable to assess the cortical bone [43, 45] |
|
| SPECT/CT | High sensitivity
Osteoblast activity assessment
Reduced metal artifacts [43, 45] | Low specificity
Unable to assess disc herniation, root compression, stenosis, or listhesis [43] |
|
| Positron emission tomography | Detection of inflammation, infection, and spondylodiscitis [48]
High-resolution images
Adequate radiation dose [49] | Limited anatomic information
Not widely available
Expensive [49] |
|
