Radiological diagnosis of iatrogenic stenosis of the lumbar spine in patients after surgical treatment of intervertebral disk displacement

: Iatrogenic stenosis of the vertebral canal arises as a result of inflammatory changes of the arachnoid with formation of adhesions following irritation of the meninges with chemicals, such as drugs and contrast media, or extension of the intracranial scar tissue, usually after operations. This stenosis is a serious diagnostic and therapeutic problem being often the cause of lacking improvement or recurrence of radicular pains after operations for herniated nucleus pulposus. On the basis of a literature review and own experiences the authors discuss the aetiology, pathogenesis, radiological diagnostic methods and methods of treatment in cases of iatrogenic postoperative stenosis of the lumbar vertebral canal.