Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.
Historically, magnetic resonance imaging has offered poor specificity in the diagnosis of back pain. Researchers currently are engaged in developing new techniques, and clinicians are successfully utilizing existing technologies (ie, diffusion-weighted imaging) that previously were not used to evaluate the spine. Magnetic resonance imaging may be used in several spinal applications: intervertebral disk and facet joint degeneration, spinal canal stenosis, suspected diskitis or osteomyelitis, suspected spinal column neoplasia, vascular disorders, trauma, and demyelinating disease.
Cousins
Joseph P
JP
Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Haughton
Victor M
VM
D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
D003287:Contrast Media