PMC5832668_01
Case 1: Non-contrasted pre-op MRI showed marked disc degeneration and adjacent vertebral body inflammation at L5-S1, consistent with discitis.
gr1.jpg
PMC5832668_01_gr1.jpg
fig0005
Plain X-rays were unremarkable, but an MRI scan showed discitis at L5-S1 without abscess formation (cf., Fig. 1).
Case 1: Seven-month post-operative lateral X-ray image showed stabilization of the fused segments obtained by the Si3N4 interbody spacer without instrumentation. Note the radiographic visibility of the implant on this view.
gr2.jpg
PMC5832668_01_gr2.jpg
fig0010
Lumbar X-rays were taken at seven months after surgery when the patient presented with pain after a motor vehicle accident; these showed stable implant position (cf., Fig. 2).
Case 1: Contrasted nine-month post-op CT image showed successful fusion without migration of the Si3N4 interbody spacer.
gr3.jpg
PMC5832668_01_gr3.jpg
fig0015
A CT scan evaluation confirmed successful interbody fusion without implant migration (cf., Fig. 3).
PMC5832668_02
Case 2: Contrasted pre-op MRI showed contrast enhancement within the L5-S1 disc space, with advanced disc space collapse and vertebral body edema, consistent with discitis.
gr4.jpg
PMC5832668_02_gr4.jpg
fig0020
An MRI scan confirmed lumbar spine discitis at L5-S1 (cf., Fig. 4).
Case 2: Contrasted MRI performed 15 months post-op showed good positioning of the Si3N4 interbody spacer, successful arthrodesis, and no recurrence of the infection.
gr5.jpg
PMC5832668_02_gr5.jpg
fig0025
A contrast MRI scan at that time showed no evidence of the recurrent infection and successful arthrodesis without spacer subsidence (cf., Fig. 5).