This article describes a study that aimed to replicate the physiological imaging of lumbar disk herniation using a “sitting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)” technique. A compression frame was constructed to apply compressive force on the lumbar and thoracic spine, similar to the pressures experienced in the sitting position. The study found that in 50% of patients, their pain syndromes were reproduced and there was an augmentation of disk herniation detected by MRI. The researchers concluded that the use of the compression frame during MRI provides a more accurate representation of herniated disks observed in the upright position
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : innovative day surgery spinal centre on Harley Street UK
Published article
The compression frame used during MRI of the spine results in a more physiological representation of herniated disks seen in the erect position.
Laser Spine Surgery Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract Object: This study was undertaken to duplicate the more physiological imaging of lumbar disk herniation possible with the “sitting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)” that exists at Harvard and Zurich. Method: A compression frame was constructed of plywood that would fit into a standard MRI machine. A patient lying in the frame, on extending the,
Abstract
Object: This study was undertaken to duplicate the more physiological imaging of lumbar disk herniation possible with the “sitting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)” that exists at Harvard and Zurich.
Method: A compression frame was constructed of plywood that would fit into a standard MRI machine. A patient lying in the frame, on extending the bent knees, would experience a compressive force on his lumbar and thoracic spine, thus duplicating the higher intradiscal pressures found in the sitting position.
Results: It was found that in 50% of patients so studied there was reproduction of their pain syndromes as well as augmentation of disk herniation by MRI.
The compression frame used during MRI of the spine results in a more physiological representation of herniated disks seen in the erect position.
The London Spine Unit : innovative day surgery spinal centre on Harley Street UK
Read the original publication:
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine under compression