title: Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine using the NeuroSwing System.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Routine MR examinations of the cervical spine might be insufficient in the diagnosis of a stenotic problem of the spinal canal, especially when symptoms only occur in a specific position. Latest developments enable real-time dynamic MR examinations in the neutral position as well as anteflexion and retroflexion using a dynamic instrumentation system designed for the cervical spine. We report our experience using the dynamic NeuroSwing System.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients with symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis were included. All examinations were performed using a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner. The patients were measured in the neutral position, and in dynamic anteflexion and retroflexion. Patients set their individual limits of movement interactively during the scan. The dynamic scans were performed within 51 seconds using a real-time TrueFisp (steady-state free precession) sequence with a slice thickness of 4 mm and a temporal resolution of 2.5 images per second.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The averaged anteflexion and retroflexion were 42.3 degrees and 47.25 degrees, respectively. An increase in spinal stenosis during movement was found in 5 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Real-time dynamic examination of the cervical spine might be a useful supplement to the conventional static examination and may allow a more precise allocation of symptoms in some patients.
authors: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany. marc.schlamann@uni-due.de
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Schlamann
authors: Lothar
authors: L
authors: Reischke
authors: Douglas
authors: D
authors: Klassen
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Maderwald
authors: Verena
authors: V
authors: Böhner
authors: Kiriaki
authors: K
authors: Kollia
authors: Mark E
authors: ME
authors: Ladd
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Forsting
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Wanke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D011859:Radiography; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging