Magnetic resonance imaging of patients with cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headache (CH) is a syndrome which is postulated to originate from nociceptive structures in the neck or head. The anatomical neck or head structures that are responsible for the pain in CH have not been clearly identified, but the pain in these patients probably originates from the structures of the cervical spine. In this study, cervical MRI were studied in 22 patients with cervicogenic headache and 20 control patients who did not have any disease which may effect the bone and muscle structures of cervical region. MRI imaging of cervical vertebra showed a disc bulging in 10 (45.4%) out of 22 patients with CH and in 9 (45.0%) of 20 controls (P > 0.05). The distribution of pathological lesions in patients and controls were not significantly different (P > 0.05). As a result, MRI may not be an adequate method to detect pathological findings underlying the aetiology of CH such as nerve roots, intervertebral joints and periosteum.     

颈椎病脊髓损伤MRI弥散张量成像(DTI)的评价

目的探讨MRI弥散张量成像(DTI)对颈椎病脊髓损伤评价。方法对30例临床综合诊断为颈椎病患者,行颈椎常规序列MRI和颈髓弥散张量成像(DTI)检查,测量并比较所有椎间盘相应层面脊髓的表观扩散系数(ADC)、各项异性(FA)值,同时重建分析弥散张量纤维束(DTT)。结果所有研究对象的DTI均可得到颈髓的ADC图和FA图。突出椎间盘和未突出椎间盘相邻层面的颈髓FA值和ADC值差别有统计学意义(P0.05)。不同突出程度间颈椎间盘相应层面的颈髓ADC值和FA值差别有统计学意义(P0.05)。30例弥散张量纤维束中23例患者均观察到神经纤维束的受压、移位,更有11例显示部分腹侧神经纤维束中断。结论 DTI对评价颈椎病脊髓损伤具有重要价值。     

Adjacent level disease-background and update based on disc replacement data

Purpose of review

The precise etiology of adjacent segment disease following cervical spine surgery is controversial. Theories for development include inevitable changes secondary to the natural progression of the degenerative cascade and changes secondary to altered biomechanics of the fused cervical spine. Motion preserving techniques, such as cervical disc arthroplasties (CDA), have been introduced with the hopes of reducing the rates of adjacent segment pathology. Recently, 7-year data from the investigational device exemption (IDE) studies have been published. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on cervical adjacent segment disease incorporating this emerging data into the analysis.

Recent findings

Although the 7-year data for CDA has confirmed continued success, specifically regarding improved neck pain and reduced re-operation rates, the influence of CDA on reducing rates of adjacent segment pathology remains questionable. Although some studies have found more radiographic adjacent segment disease after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) compared to CDA, an association between these findings and clinical symptoms has not been established.

Summary

Cervical disc arthroplasty continues to outperform cervical disc fusion regarding some patient specific parameters, however, whether CDA reduces rates of radiographic and clinical adjacent segment pathology remains unknown. Without studies developed specifically to address this question, the answer remains elusive.

     

颈椎间盘突出症的MRI表现分析

目的：探讨颈椎间盘突出症的ＭＲＩ表现及诊断价值。材料与方法：分析经手术病理证帝的４９例颈椎间盘突出症的矢状面及横轴面ＭＲＩ表现。结果：本组颈椎间盘突出９３个,脱出１６个,膨出３０个,矢状位显示硬膜囊及颈髓前缘受压、椎管狭窄的程度;横轴位显示突出或脱出髓核部位及位置,囊和神经根受压、黄韧带肥厚及椎管、椎间孔狭窄的情况。结论：ＭＲＩ检查为颈椎间突出症的诊断、鉴别诊断、治疗方案的选择提供了可靠依据。     

Lumbar extraforaminal ligaments act as a traction relief and prevent spinal nerve compression

Background

In a previous study, ligaments that connect the extraforaminal lumbar spinal nerves with the fibrous capsule of the facet joints and the dorsolateral side of the intervertebral disc were described. This anatomical configuration suggests a mechanical role in transferring extraforaminal spinal nerve traction.

Methods

One embalmed human lumbar spine was dissected from the twelfth thoracic vertebra to the first sacral vertebra to isolate the twelfth thoracic to the fourth lumbar spinal nerves. The spinal nerves from L1 to L4 were pulled at different angles with respect to the axis of the spine. Forces of 1–6 N were applied. The displacements of reflective markers glued to the proximal and distal ends of the adjoining ligaments were recorded with a video system.

Findings

The spinal nerve proximal of the extraforaminal ligaments stays centred in the intervertebral foramen when pulling at an angle. At levels L1–L4 strain reduction by the extraforaminal ligaments was largest when pulling at a wider angle to the spinal axis in the sagittal plane. Proximal to the extraforaminal ligaments less displacement was seen compared to the displacement distal of the extraforaminal ligaments when pulling in longitudinal direction. A graded decrease in the displacement proximal to the extraforaminal ligaments was seen from the levels L1–L4.

Interpretation

Extraforaminal ligaments play an important role in the prevention of damage due to spinal nerve traction. The proximal attachments secure a spinal nerve position central in the intervertebral foramen and also reduce longitudinal tension.     

银质针治疗颈椎间盘突出症1例报告——11年随访研究

目的：探讨银质针治疗颈椎间盘突出症的远期效果。方法：报告银质针治疗1例颈椎间盘突出症患者，随访11年．观察临床症状变化和通过颈椎MRI观察突出的椎间盘演变过程。结果：疼痛视觉模拟评分明显减少，临床症状消失，颈椎MRI显示：治疗前椎间盘突出，硬膜囊明显受压，经过治疗，突出椎间盘逐渐与硬膜囊之间出现间隙，直至11年后，突出椎间盘还纳，硬膜囊压迫完全解除。结论：银质针治疗某些颈椎间盘突出症有效果，有可能引起椎间盘的变化。     

Clinical presentation of low back pain and association with risk factors according to findings on magnetic resonance imaging

We hypothesised that the relative importance of physical and psychological risk factors for mechanical low back pain (LBP) might differ importantly according to whether there is underlying spinal pathology, psychological risk factors being more common in patients without demonstrable pathology. If so, epidemiological studies of LBP could benefit from tighter case definitions. To test the hypothesis, we used data from an earlier case-control study on patients with mechanical LBP who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine. MRI scans were classified for the presence of high-intensity zone (HIZ), disc degeneration, disc herniation, and nerve root displacement/compression. Information about symptoms and risk factors was elicited by postal questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to assess associations of MRI abnormalities with symptoms and risk factors, which were characterised by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among 354 patients (52% response), 306 (86.4%) had at least 1, and 63 (17.8%) had all 4 of the MRI abnormalities. Radiation of pain below the knee (280 patients) and weakness or numbness below the knee (257 patients) were both associated with nerve root deviation/compression (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.5; and OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1, respectively). However, we found no evidence for the hypothesised differences in risk factors between patients with and without demonstrable spinal pathology. This suggests that when researching the causes and primary prevention of mechanical LBP, there may be little value in distinguishing between cases according to the presence or absence of the more common forms of potentially underlying spinal pathology.     

Diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in acute cervical spinal column injury

The present study was conducted to evaluate the imaging capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating acute cervical spinal column injury and compare these results to that of computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Forty-nine patients undergoing MRI at a Level I and regional spinal cord trauma center to evaluate cervical spinal column injury were studied. Seventy-one injuries were identified by MRI. These injuries were classified as osseous (fracture/dislocation) (n = 21), disc herniation (n = 29), and spinal cord injury (edema/contusion/transection) (n = 21). Diagnostic imaging results in 33 of the 49 patients undergoing both MRI and CT were compared. CT demonstrated 22 fracture/dislocations compared to 10 on MRI. MRI demonstrated 19 disc protrusions compared to 7 on CT. Additionally, MR imaged 13 cord injuries as compared to 0 by CT. MR imaging proved superior in demonstrating spinal cord pathology and intervertebral disc herniation. CT was superior to MRI in demonstrating osseous injury. CT and MRI may be useful together in determining presence and extent of spinal column injury.     

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for cervical disc disease

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure proven successful in the treatment of symptoms caused by cervical degenerative disc disease that is unresponsive to conservative therapy. Retrospective studies of patients who have undergone ACDF indicate that this procedure has a high rate of success for relieving symptoms and a low rate of associated complications. This article discusses normal cervical spine anatomy, the pathology of degenerative cervical disc disease, and perioperative nursing care for patients undergoing ACDF. Cortical ring allograft bone grafting and internal fixation with cervical locking plates also is discussed. AORN J 76 (Dec 2002) 998-1008.     

中老年腰椎间盘突出症的CT诊断(附56例报告)

目的：分析中老年腰椎间盘突出症的CT表现，评价CT对腰椎间盘突出症的诊断价值及限度。材料与方法：收集经手术证实的中老年腰椎间盘突出症56例，对它们的CT征象进行回顾性分析。结果：CT诊断中老年腰椎间盘突出症的符合率为85．7％；CT分型：中心后型，后外侧型，椎间孔内或外型；主要CT表现有：(1)腰椎间盘后缘局限性后突软组织密度块影，边缘光滑，硬膜囊受压、变形；(2)游离碎块形成；(3)神经根受压、水肿或湮没；(4)突出髓核部分钙化或骨化；此外，CT还能清楚显示椎管及侧隐窝狭窄、黄韧带肥厚、小关节病变以及椎间盘真空征等合并征象。结论：CT是诊断中老年腰椎间盘突出症的首选检查方法，大部分病例经CT检查可作出正确诊断。     

Cervical radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is a common clinical scenario. Patients with radiculopathy typically present with neck pain, arm pain, or both. We review the epidemiology of cervical radiculopathy and discuss the diagnosis of this condition. This includes an overview of the pertinent findings on the patient history and physical examination. We also discuss relevant clinical syndromes that must be considered in the differential diagnosis including peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes and shoulder pathology. The natural history of cervical radiculopathy is reviewed and options for management are discussed. These options include conservative management, non-operative modalities such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and operative intervention. While the exact indications for surgical intervention have not yet been elucidated, we provide an overview of the available literature regarding indications and discuss the timing of intervention. The surgical outcomes of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), and posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) are discussed.     

颈椎病慢性颈肩痛的多模态MRI研究进展

颈椎病是一种慢性退行性疾病,颈椎间盘退变是其主要表现之一,临床上多表现为颈肩背部疼痛、上肢麻木等。功能磁共振成像可准确评估颈椎间盘形态改变,反映慢性疼痛引起的大脑、脊髓结构与功能的细微变化,为神经病理学机制的研究及临床疗效的评估提供依据。作者主要综述多模态MRI(常规MRI、扩散张量成像、基于体素的形态学分析、血氧水平依赖功能MRI、磁共振波谱)在颈椎病慢性疼痛中的研究现状和进展。     

MR常规矢状位-轴位扫描与冠状位迭代分解水和脂肪的回声不对称与最小二乘法估计技术诊断椎间孔外型腰椎间盘突出症

目的 比较MR常规矢状位-轴位扫描与冠状位迭代分解水和脂肪的回声不对称与最小二乘法估计（IDEAL）技术对椎间孔外型腰椎间盘突出症（ELDH）的诊断价值。方法 对手术证实的32例ELDH患者术前行矢状位-轴位和冠状位IDEAL扫描,比较2种技术对椎间盘突出、神经受累、神经受压成角、神经深压迹、神经变细或截断、神经粘连毛糙、神经肿胀的显示情况。结果 2种技术显示椎间盘突出、神经受累、神经周围脂肪减少或消失差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,显示神经成角、神经深压迹、神经变细或截断、神经粘连毛糙、神经肿胀的差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。手术证实32例神经受压情况与IDEAL所见吻合。结论 MR矢状位-轴位和冠状位IDEAL均能诊断ELDH,但对神经受压程度的显示能力不同,冠状位IDEAL明显优于常规矢状位-轴位,可直观、清晰、全面地显示神经的受压情况,是一种有效的影像学检查方法。     

椎间盘造影在腰椎融合术中邻近正常椎间盘的应用

目的采取回顾分析的研究方法，探讨椎间盘造影术在腰痛融合邻近正常椎间盘的诊断价值。方法53例因椎间盘源性下腰痛行椎间盘切除和后路椎间融合术的患者，手术前行椎间盘造影时，不包括邻近融合节段的正常椎间盘。所有的患者随访35．6个月（24—80个月）。对所有患者的临床疗效和影像学结果进行评价分析。结果53例患者中49例临床效果优良，随访2年以上，38例患者无任何症状。15例患者在渡过21个月的无症状期后出现疼痛复发，采用腰椎MRI和椎间盘造影复查。结果MRI发现15例患者中的8例出现了邻近节段椎间盘的退变，而此8例中仅有1例（2％）经过MRI和椎间盘造影同时证实该节段为疼痛的原因，从而再次进行融合手术。结论术前MRI上表现为正常的相邻椎间盘在椎间融合术后不容易变成病变节段，因此没有必要常规在术前为了排除病变节段而行相邻于拟融合节段的正常椎间盘的造影检查。     

创伤性颈椎间盘突出症患者临床表现与MRI影像学的变化

背景磁共振成像已被公认为是诊断颈椎间盘突出症的重要手段.目的探讨创伤性颈椎间盘突出症的临床表现与MRI影像学变化的相互关系.设计回顾性分析.单位解放军第三军医大学新桥医院骨科.对象选择1982-06/2002-06第三军医大学新桥医院骨科收治外伤性颈椎间盘突出症患者123例.临床表现为4种不同类型①呈四肢对称性不全瘫,肌力一二级58例,其中14例呈四肢运动性丧失而触觉存在或损害轻微.②中央管综合症34例.表现为双上肢肌力显著减退或丧失,肌力0～2级.③半脊髓综合征27例.表现为一侧上下肢肌力及触觉明显减退.④表现为一侧上肢剧痛,运动损害轻微,对侧下肢痛觉减退,但肌力良好4例.方法对创伤性颈椎间盘突出症患者123例进行MRI检查.主要观察指标123例患者的临床表现与MRI影像学结果的关系.结果123例患者临床表现和MRI影像学资料进入结果分析.①MRI分为横型突出58例,临床表现呈四肢对称性不全瘫痪.②MRI呈中央型突出34例,临床表现呈中央管综合征,双上肢肌力显著减退或丧失.③MRI呈旁侧型27例,临床表现呈不典型性半脊髓综合征.④MRI呈边缘型4例,临床表现为一侧神经根性痛,对侧痛温觉障碍.结论MRI分型说明了确定的椎间盘突出的节段、位置及形状,其产生的4种不同的临床表现说明了该解剖位置支配相应神经所产生功能障碍的一致性.     

颈椎病治疗致脊髓硬膜外血肿的MRI 诊断

目的 对颈椎病例治疗致脊髓硬膜外血肿（SEH）的MR和临床表现进行评价。方法 本组4例SEH的患者均在二级以上医院诊断为颈椎病,行按摩治疗而急性发病。均作MRI检查,并有手术病理证实。结果 在MRI图像上,血肿分别位于硬膜外腔的左后、右后及正后方。1例血肿与椎间盘突出部位相一致。T1加权能准确地显示血肿的部位及范围而最有价值;T2加权反映血肿随时间发生的信号变化。出血量少时,显示欠佳,但梯度回波序列可弥补其不足。结论 颈椎病治疗致SEH虽属少见,但应经 医务工作者重视,要获得理想的临床疗效,就必须做到诊断准确,并及时地手术治疗,解除脊髓压迫。     

Ultrasound guided spinal procedures

Ultrasound (US) is an increasingly used imaging technique in interventional pain therapy allowing identification of soft tissues, vessels and nerves, without exposing patients or personnel to radiation. Imaging is performed continuously and the spread of the injected fluid can be visualized in real time. Spinal procedures which may be performed with US imaging are lumbar or cervical facet joint blocks, sacroiliac joint injections, caudal epidural injections and extraforaminal cervical or lumbar nerve root blocks. Limitations are the poor resolution of narrow-gauge needles, the loss of resolution with increasing working depth and possible interference of echoes from overlying structures with the image of the target area.     

多体位颈椎MRI诊断颈椎病

目的 探讨多体位颈椎MRI对颈椎病的诊断价值。方法 对30例临床诊断为颈椎病的患者进行颈椎中立位、过屈位、过伸位MR检查,比较三种体位下颈椎椎间盘突出矢状径指数(SI)的差异。结果 30例中共发现颈椎椎间盘突出92个,两两组间比较,三种体位下SI差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);过屈位椎间盘突出程度最轻,过伸位椎间盘突出程度最重。结论 不同体位下颈椎MR检查显示椎间盘突出程度有所差异。多体位颈椎MRI对于临床选择颈椎病治疗方案有着重要意义,也为研究颈椎病发病机制提供了新的方法。     

Staging of gynecologic malignancies

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is gaining momentum for staging gynecologic malignancies. MRI staging is an adjunct to clinical and surgical staging in women with cervical or endometrial cancer, respectively. For women with possible adnexal pathology, MRI is useful for lesion characterization. In patients with ovarian cancer, MRI determination of disease extent helps treatment planning, either as a surgical roadmap or to identify nonresectable patients.     

3D-STIR磁共振序列诊断神经根型颈椎病的临床价值

目的 探讨三维反转恢复快速自旋回波（3D-STIR）序列在显示颈部节前神经根受压情况,以及颈椎间盘突出与颈部神经根关系的临床应用价值,并评估该技术在不同节段（C6神经根及C7神经根）的诊断价值。方法 收集2021年9月～2022年3月于牡丹江医学院附属红旗医院就诊的有颈部疼痛、上肢麻木等有神经根受压症状并且临床高度怀疑神经根型颈椎病的100例患者,分别行磁共振常规序列（矢状位T2WI、T1WI、STIR,轴位T2WI）、3D-STIR序列扫描以及结合两种扫描方式判断神经根是否受压,分别统计C5～7单侧单节段神经根传导功能障碍的患者有无神经根受压的影像学表现。3D-STIR序列所有图像采用3D最大信号强调投影与曲面重组等后处理,由2名中高级职称磁共振诊断医师通过对重建后图像显示的神经根形态、走行、受压情况以及椎间盘与神经根关系的影像表现,评价3D-STIR序列在诊断神经根型颈椎病的临床应用价值。结果 按C6/C7神经根是否受压分为两组,常规核磁平扫、3D-STIR序列以及常规核磁平扫与3D-STIR序列结合诊断结果显示,按C6神经根是否受压,得出一致性分别为0.578、0.758、0.8...