High-field magnetic resonance imaging of meniscoids in the zygapophyseal joints of the human cervical spine.
METHODS
Prospective in vitro study of meniscoids in the cervical zygapophysial joints. OBJECTIVES.: To assess the use of high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a potential tool for evaluating meniscoids of the cervical zygapophysial joints.


BACKGROUND
Pain originating from the cervical spine is a frequent condition. It has been suggested that pathologic conditions of meniscoids within the zygapophysial joints may cause pain.


METHODS
Six zygapophysial joints from one embalmed human body were investigated with a 3.0-T MR unit, equipped with a microimaging-set. MRIs were correlated with microanatomical sections.


RESULTS
High-quality images of the meniscoids were obtained for all joints examined. There was a good correlation between the anatomic features derived from MRI and the microanatomical sections.


CONCLUSIONS
High-field MRI was successfully implemented as a noninvasive method for imaging the meniscoids in cervical zygapophysial joints. The results of this in vitro study indicate that high-field MRI may be feasible in evaluating patients with cervical pain possibly related to meniscoid pathology.
Friedrich
Klaus M
KM
Department of Radiology, Medical University Vienna, MR Center of Excellence, Vienna, Austria. klaus.friedrich@meduniwien.ac.at
Trattnig
Siegfried
S
Millington
Steven A
SA
Friedrich
Martin
M
Groschmidt
Karl
K
Pretterklieber
Michael L
ML
D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D002102:Cadaver; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D021801:Zygapophyseal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*