General Spine

YU MI, JEONG, M.D.
Myung Jin, Shin, M.D., Non ASSR Member
Sang Hoon, Lee, M.D., Non ASSR Member
Hye Won, Chung, M.D., Non ASSR Member

Poster

Purpose

Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) is the important anatomical structure that plays a role in integrating back muscles and maintaining the stability of lower back. Functional failure of TLF can be one of factors in the vicious cycle of progressive spinal instability. The purpose of this study is to assess the TLF and correlate it with spinal stability in the instrumented lumbar surgery patients.

Methods & Materials

From January 2008 to March 2009, 68 postoperative lumbar or thoracolumbar spine MR images were retrospectively reviewed to determine the morphologic changes of TLF. The MR images were performed at 2 months to 43 months from the operation using 1.5T scanner. Patients with infections, tumors or in immediate postoperative periods were excluded. It was considered as â