Nontraumatic spine disorders: part II

In this article we present several conditions that present as nontraumatic but urgent issues needing prompt and accurate imaging evaluation in the acute setting. We also present several conditions that frequently present a diagnostic challenge to the practicing radiologist: cauda equina syndrome, benign versus malignant vertebral collapse, atlantoaxial rotatory fixation, and idiopathic vertebral osteonecrosis (Kümmell's disease). Familiarity with the disease processes, relevant histologic findings, the resultant imaging anatomy, and the strengths and weaknesses of various imaging tests available will allow the practicing radiologist the opportunity to image patients with these suspected conditions efficiently and effectively.