Turkish Neurosurgery
SPECT/CT in the Assessment of Postoperative Spine: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Aydin Sinan Apaydin1, Mehmet Denizhan Yurtluk2, Mounica Paturu3, Brittany Grace Futch3, Khoi Than3, Muhammad Abd-El Barr3
1University of Karabuk, Neurosurgery Department, Karabuk,
2University of Bezmi Alem, School of Medicine, Istanbul,
3University of Duke, Neurosurgery Department, Durham,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.48508-25.3

Back pain is a widespread and debilitating condition that not only significantly impairs quality of life but also contributes to global disability rates, often eroding patients\' sense of autonomy and independence. The initial management of back pain generally follows a conservative approach, encompassing physical therapy, pharmacological interventions, and lifestyle modifications aimed at alleviating symptoms and restoring functionality. Spine surgery, while frequently beneficial in addressing underlying structural issues, is not without its inherent risks. Among the most challenging outcomes of spine surgery is the persistence or recurrence of pain, a condition commonly referred to as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). Managing FBSS effectively requires a comprehensive and meticulous approach. When conservative measures for FBSS fail to yield satisfactory results, and revision surgery is considered, the role of advanced imaging techniques becomes increasingly critical. Standard imaging modalities offer unique advantages and limitations, emphasizing the importance of a multimodal imaging approach to achieve a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the patient’s condition. In recent years, single-photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) has gained recognition as a valuable tool in the postoperative assessment of spine surgery patients. SPECT/CT has demonstrated superior efficacy in detecting specific complications such as pseudoarthrosis, hardware failure, and screw loosening. By integrating metabolic activity data within the spine and surrounding bony structures with the three-dimensional reconstruction capabilities of CT, SPECT/CT enhances diagnostic accuracy and informs more precise treatment decisions. This review aims to synthesize the current body of literature on the application of SPECT/CT in the postoperative evaluation of spine surgery patients, while also providing a comparative overview of other imaging modalities within this context. Our objective is to underscore the pivotal role that advanced imaging techniques play in improving patient outcomes, reducing the incidence of FBSS, and shortening its duration.

Corresponding author : Aydin Sinan Apaydin