Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Preliminary Presentation of a Technique

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate morphometric variations of the cervical spine in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in neutral, flexion and extension positions. Methods: This is a prospective study of patients with CSM secondary to degenerative disease of the cervical spine. The morphometric parameters were evaluated using T2-weighted MRI sequences in the sagittal plane in neutral, flexion and extension position of the neck. The parameters studied were the anterior length of the spinal cord (ALSC), the posterior length of the spinal cord (PLSC), the diameter of the vertebral canal (DVC) and the diameter of the spinal cord (DSC). Results: The ALSC and PLSC were longer in flexion than in extension and neutral position, with statistically significant difference between the flexion and extension position. The DVC and the DSC were greater in flexion than in extension and neutral position, however, there was no statistically significant difference when they were compared in the neutral, flexion and extension positions. Conclusion: Dynamic MRI allows to evaluate morphometric variations in the cervical spinal canal in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.