Confirm the operative report and the question first
Post-operative imaging is interpreted in the context of what was done and when. Whenever possible, include the operative report, the date of surgery, the implanted hardware, and the specific question (recurrent symptoms? suspected infection? routine surveillance?) on the order. The radiologist's interpretation is more useful when this context is available at the time of the read.
Imaging around hardware
Plain radiographs are the first-line study after any orthopaedic or spinal instrumentation. MRI can be performed around most orthopaedic hardware using metal-artefact-reduction (MARS / MAVRIC) protocols when soft-tissue assessment is required. CT remains a reasonable choice when MRI is contraindicated or when bony detail near the hardware is the question.
Spine after surgery
New or recurrent radicular symptoms after lumbar surgery generally warrant MRI with and without contrast. Contrast helps the radiologist distinguish recurrent disc material from post-surgical granulation tissue, which is one of the most important diagnostic calls in the post-op spine.
Abdomen after surgery
New or persistent post-operative abdominal pain, suspected leak, abscess, or fluid collection is best evaluated with CT abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast. Ultrasound has a role for focal questions (RUQ post-cholecystectomy) but is rarely sufficient as a sole study.
Suspected post-operative infection
When deep infection or osteomyelitis is in the differential, MRI with and without contrast is the highest-yield study. Lab correlation (CBC, CRP, ESR) and appropriate referral for aspiration or surgical consultation should occur in parallel.
Ordering with Precise
X-ray, MRI, and CT are available across the network with MSK, neuroradiology, and body imaging sub-specialty reads. Provide the operative context on the order so the radiologist can read with the surgeon's question in mind.
Questions referring offices ask first.
Do I need contrast on a post-op spine MRI?
Yes — with and without contrast is the standard for the post-op spine. Contrast distinguishes recurrent disc from granulation tissue.
Can MRI be done around orthopaedic hardware?
Yes, with metal-artefact-reduction protocols. Note the hardware on the order so we can plan the protocol.
Educational reference for referring providers. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or the current official appropriateness criteria. References imaging modalities offered by Precise; modalities not in our network are out of scope.