Degenerative Erkrankungen der Wirbelsäule

Abstract

Degenerative alterations of the spine are among the most common causes of complaints of the musculoskeletal system. Imaging procedures are an established component of diagnostics and differential diagnoses. A reduction in height of the intervertebral space and sclerotization of the basal and covering plates are part of the first radiological alterations and in the further course can be accompanied by formation of spondylophytes, arthrosis of the intervertebral joints and degenerative vertebral surface gliding. However, early changes of the mobile segments can often not be visualized in x-ray images. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) substantially improve the diagnostic options. Using MRI the spinal column and the surrounding soft tissues can be visualized in 3-D and a differential diagnostic differentiation between inflammatory, traumatized or neoplastic processes is possible. A lack of correlation between the imaging findings and clinical symptoms remains problematic. A meaningful interpretation of x-ray images and MRI can only be made with the appropriate knowledge of the symptoms and possible diseases.

Correlation between serum complement and severity of lumbar degenerative disease: A cross-sectional study

“…The selection of LDD diagnoses has signi cantly improved owing to advances in medical imaging technology, including X-ray, MRI, and CT [2,3]. According to a study, some measures, including foraminal area and lumbar curvature, can evaluate the stenosis of single-segment central lumbar spinal stenosis [4].…”

MRI-Based Classification Scheme for Degenerative Cervical Spinal Stenosis (DCSS Classification)

“…The clinical practice of spinal surgery is often based on the correlation of symptoms to imaging findings, with treatment decisions rarely being based solely on imaging results. The characterization of cervical spine pathologies with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is already a clinical routine [5,6] and offers an advantage in the visualization of 2D and 3D images. It reduces the risk of overlooking factors responsible for ethiopathogenesis when diagnosing with common imaging modalities such as X-rays, myelography or CT scans.…”