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Diagnostic and therapeutic radiology of the spine: an overview

Regional Neurosciences Department, Newcastle General Hospital, Westgate Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE4 6BE, UK

• Apart from assessment of spinal trauma, the diagnostic yield from radiography of the spine is limited.
  
• CT and MRI are now the main modalities for diagnosis of spinal disease.
  
• In spinal trauma, thin section CT with multiplanar reformations allows comprehensive assessment of bony injury. MRI is required for assessment of associated soft tissue injury.
  
• Degenerative disc disease is common. MRI is the definitive first line investigation, demonstrating associated thecal and/or root compression.
  
• Heavy T₂ weighted images may diminish detection of cord lesions.
  
• Vertebroplasty is a useful alternative to spinal fixation in patients with osteoporotic collapse.