Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2015, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (48): 7825-7830.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2015.48.020

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Imaging evaluation strategy of spinal interbody fusion

Gao Zhi-qiang1, Li Yang2, Luo Fei2   

  1. 1Outpatient Department, Chongqing Communication Institute, Chongqing 400035, China; 2Department of Orthopedics, Chongqing Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
  • Received:2015-09-16 Online:2015-11-26 Published:2015-11-26
  • Contact: Luo Fei, M.D., Associate chief physician, Department of Orthopedics, Chongqing Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
  • About author:Gao Zhi-qiang, Associate chief physician, Outpatient Department, Chongqing Communication Institute, Chongqing 400035, China
  • Supported by:

    Spinal Fusion; Cervical Vertebrae; Lumbar Vertebrae; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Tissue Engineering

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Interbody fusion is widely used in spine surgeries. Failed fusion may cause many complications, so it is very important to evaluate fusion before surgery. Imaging methods are commonly used to evaluate fusion, including X ray, CT and MRI. Above methods have their own specific methods and characteristics, which cause their differences in sensibility and specificity. 
OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress of imaging methods in interbody fusion.
METHODS: The English key words were “lambar fusion, cervical fusion, interbody fusion, evaluation method” in the PubMed database. The literatures with detailed description of interbody fusion were selected for further review, including comparative study on a variety of evaluation methods of imaging means. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, a total of 40 papers were included. X-ray and CT are the most commonly used methods, while CT is more reliable. MRI, bone scan and other methods cannot correctly and directly evaluate spinal fusion. Overall judgment of symptoms, signs and different kinds of image data are more reasonable fusion evaluation strategies. 

CLC Number: