[Computerized tomography findings following successful lumbar intervertebral disk surgery].

Abstract

Computed tomography findings were studied after successful lumbar disk surgery. All patients were asymptomatic after the operation thus presenting morphological changes that probably correspond to regular postoperative conditions. Small seromas in the area of surgery are well-known "normal" findings and have no pathological significance. Dorsal bulging at the level of the intervertebral disc operated upon has not yet been studied systematically. This protrusion that can even exceed the preoperative amount of bulging is due to swelling and folding of the posterior longitudinal ligament. In our patients it disappeared spontaneously within a few months and it should not be confused with real recurrent or residual disc herniation.