title: Degenerative disorders of the cervical spine.
abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging is the study of choice in patients with suspected degenerative discogenic disease. It is a sensitive diagnostic modality offering multiplanar imaging capability and excellent soft-tissue and spatial resolution without ionizing radiation. Physiologic information, primarily relating to water content, is provided as is a myelographic effect, without the risks of intrathecal contrast. Computed tomography remains a valuable adjunct in those patients with extensive bony degenerative changes.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Rivera
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kleefield
mesh_terms: D001175:Arthrography; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed