Neuroimaging of Spinal Instability

Mario Muto; Francesco Giurazza; Gianluigi Guarnieri; Roberto Izzo; Alvaro Diano

doi:10.1016/j.mric.2016.04.003

Neuroimaging of Spinal Instability

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2016 Aug;24(3):485-94. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2016.04.003.

Authors

Mario Muto¹, Francesco Giurazza², Gianluigi Guarnieri³, Roberto Izzo³, Alvaro Diano³

Affiliations

¹ Neuroradiology Department, Cardarelli Hospital, Via Cardarelli 9, Naples 80131, Italy. Electronic address: mutomar@tiscali.it.
² Radiology Department, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Rome 00100, Italy.
³ Neuroradiology Department, Cardarelli Hospital, Via Cardarelli 9, Naples 80131, Italy.

PMID: 27417396
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2016.04.003

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.

Keywords: Back pain; CT; Dynamic MRI; Dynamic radiography; Open MRI scanner; Spinal instability.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Spinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
Spinal Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
Spine / diagnostic imaging