title: [Imaging in rheumatology. Degenerative diseases of the spine].
abstract: Degeneration of the spine is a common reason for pain in the musculoskeletal system. Radiography is an important tool for diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Cost efficacy and economy of time are advantages in using conventional x-rays. Although narrowing of intervertebral disc spaces, irregular ossification of the vertebral end-plate as well as osteophytes, facet joint osteoarthritis and spondylolisthesis can be observed, early changes in the discs or the subdiscal bone can not be detected by x-rays. Moreover, 3-dimensional imaging is not possible. Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are reliable for identifying disorders of the spine and soft-tissue. Differentiation between inflammation, trauma and tumor is possible. There is still a problem with the relationship between the information obtained by x-rays or MRI and clinical symptoms. Therefore, interpretation of radiological examinations assumes a knowledge of clinical symptoms and the different kinds of diseases which are possible.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland. steinhagen@uke.uni-hamburg.de
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Steinhagen
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Habermann
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kothe
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Rüther
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D055013:Osteoarthritis, Spine / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens