title: Neuroimaging of Spinal Instability.
abstract: The human spine is a complex biomechanical system composed of multiple articular structures controlled by muscles. Spine diseases are frequently related to a loss of stability. Dedicated imaging protocols have been developed to evaluate spinal instability. Dynamic radiography with lumbar flexion-extension is used most often; however, in traumatic instability, computerized tomography provides better diagnostic accuracy for fracture detection. Novel technology improvements allow acquisition of dynamic MRI with axial load or upright standing techniques to simulate a more pathologic condition compared with conventional supine scans. This article reviews the basic concepts of spinal instability and describes the role of different imaging techniques in its assessment.
authors.affiliation: Neuroradiology Department, Cardarelli Hospital, Via Cardarelli 9, Naples 80131, Italy. Electronic address: mutomar@tiscali.it.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muto
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Rome 00100, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giurazza
authors.affiliation: Neuroradiology Department, Cardarelli Hospital, Via Cardarelli 9, Naples 80131, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianluigi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Guarnieri
authors.affiliation: Neuroradiology Department, Cardarelli Hospital, Via Cardarelli 9, Naples 80131, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Izzo
authors.affiliation: Neuroradiology Department, Cardarelli Hospital, Via Cardarelli 9, Naples 80131, Italy.
authors.forename: Alvaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Diano
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
keywords: Back pain; CT; Dynamic MRI; Dynamic radiography; Open MRI scanner; Spinal instability