A Practical Approach to Spine Imaging. Issue 1 (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Klein, Joshua P.
• Is Part Of: Continuum. Volume 21:Issue 1(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Study guides -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1212/01.CON.0000461083.33500.ec
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1080-2371

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of Review: : The spine is a complex mechanical structure that surrounds and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. It is capable of multidirectional movement and is susceptible to a large variety of pathologies that can affect spinal cord and nerve root function. Detection of spinal pathology is aided by a familiarity with normal spinal anatomy and its appearance on CT and MRI studies. Imaging of the spine is performed frequently, and a systematic approach toward image interpretation can prevent overlooking or incompletely assessing a lesion. Recent Findings: : CT and MRI of the spine provide detailed views of normal and abnormal structures and allow for differentiation of vascular, inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, traumatic, and degenerative etiologies of spine disease. Summary: : This article provides a strategy for interpreting CT and MRI studies of the spine and can be used as a primer for the other articles that follow in this issue ofCONTINUUM, in which specific etiologies of spine and spinal cord pathology are considered in detail.