Axial loading MRI of the lumbar spine.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to evaluate the incoming interrelations between chronic low back pain and biomechanical changes of the lumbar spine, using an MRI-compatible axial-loading device mimicking the standing position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients (28 males and 22 females), with both chronic low pack pain and recurrent painful blockages, were selected and studied using a 1.5 T Gyroscan Intera Philips MRI unit (Philips, Best, Holland) and a dedicated axial loading apparatus (MIKAI manufacturing, Genoa, Italy). RESULTS: After loading, no significant modifications occurred in ten patients (20%), a spinal stenosis was seen in 18 patients (45%), an increase in the discal protrusions or hernias was detected in 8 patients (20%) and a significant accentuation of the spondylolisthesis was observed in 6 patients (15%). CONCLUSION: Axial loading MRI provides valuable information for specific non-invasive or operative management of low back pain.

Author information

Author/s: Manenti, Guglielmo (G); Liccardo, Giovanni (G); Sergiacomi, Gianluigi (G); Ferrante, Luigi (L); D'Andrea, Giancarlo (G); Konda, Daniel (D); Fraioli, Bernardo (B); Schillaci, Orazio (O); Simonetti, Giovanni (G); Masala, Salvatore (S);

Affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, University of Tor Vergata, V.le Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy. guggi(-atsign-)tiscali.it

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: In vivo (Athens, Greece) (In Vivo), published in Greece. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2003 Sep-Oct; vol 17 (issue 5) : pp 413-20

Dates: Created 2003/11/05; Completed 2004/05/25; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 14598603, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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