The role of radiography in the study of spinal disorders

Abstract

Despite the growing use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the study of spinal disorders, radiography still plays an important role in many conditions affecting the spine. However, the study and interpretation of spine radiograph is receiving less attention and radiologists are increasingly unfamiliar with the typical findings in normal and pathologic conditions of the spine. The aim of this article is to review the radiologic indications of radiograph in different pathologic conditions that affect the spine, including congenital, traumatic, degenerative, inflammatory, infectious and tumour disorders, as well as their main radiographic manifestations.

Imaging features of spinal fractures in ankylosing spondylitis and the diagnostic value of different imaging methods

“…Despite the many advantages of CT, radiography remains the first-line imaging modality to detect or exclude the presence of a fracture (17). Diagnosis of spinal fractures in AS by radiography alone can be challenging.…”

Association between spinal alignment and biochemical composition of lumbar intervertebral discs assessed by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging

“…These angle decrease seems to cause a greater overload mainly in the posterior portion of the annulus, which could lead to the lamellae fragility and contribute to an acceleration of nuclear degeneration (1). The pelvis is the cornerstone of spinal sagittal alignment and several measurements have been developed to relate the morphology of the pelvis to sagittal spinal alignment (30). It was interesting to note that PI and PT influenced the values L2L3 to L4L5 discs.…”

Improving osteoporotic vertebral deformity detection on chest frontal view radiograph by adjusted X-ray beam positioning

“…The readings at Center-E were then forwarded to Center-A and Center-B for consenting, and final consensuses were reached for all cases. During this study, the reader at Center-E was considered experienced in reading VD on FRs [ 19 , 23 , 31 ]. The readers at Center-A and B had past experience in reading OVF on CLRs but did not have prior specific training in reading VD on CFRs.…”