title: Spinal imaging update: an introduction to techniques for advanced MRI.
abstract: The widespread use of MRI has revolutionised the diagnostic process for spinal disorders. A typical protocol for spinal MRI includes T1 and T2 weighted sequences in both axial and sagittal planes. While such an imaging protocol is appropriate to detect pathological processes in the vast majority of patients, a number of additional sequences and advanced techniques are emerging. The purpose of the article is to discuss both established techniques that are gaining popularity in the field of spinal imaging and to introduce some of the more novel 'advanced' MRI sequences with examples to highlight their potential uses.
authors.affiliation: Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: James
authors.affiliation: Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.affiliation: Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Botchu
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: Advanced Techniques; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Spine