Tests
Before doctors will state that back surgery has “failed,” tests are done to make sure that no further back surgery is required. These tests may include:
- MRI scans or myelograms (CT scans with dye injected into the spinal fluid) to look for continued nerve compression or herniated discs
- CT scans to make sure that bones have fused and have not fractured
- X-rays to check the spinal alignment and make sure that spinal fixation hardware has not loosened or broken
- Electromyography (EMG) to look at nerve function
- Nuclear medicine bone scans to rule out infection
Last UpdateFebruary 8, 2011