Clinical Aspects The cervical spine and thoracolumbar junction are the most common sites of spinal trauma. Specifically, the most common sites for fractures and dislocations are the lower cervical spine (C4–7), the thoracolumbar junction (T10–L2) and the craniocervical junction (C1–2).…
Introduction Imaging plays an important role in the assessment of the postoperative spine. The main objectives of imaging are to evaluate the alignment of the spinal column, the position of implants and the status of fusion or fracture healing, and…
Inflammatory Disease Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by multiple inflammatory demyelinating foci called ‘plaques’. The spinal cord is commonly involved with changes on autopsy in up to 98% of the cases. One-third of MS…
Radiological Investigations in Spinal Tumours Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are complementary techniques that are needed for evaluation of both the intraosseous extent of the tumour and soft-tissue involvement. MR imaging is the best imaging technique for…
Introduction The spine is a complex anatomical structure composed of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments. All of these structures may undergo degenerative, morphological and functional changes with age. The intervertebral discs are part of the connection between two adjacent intervertebral…
Anatomy Anatomically the spine is organised segmentally, consisting of 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 (fused) sacral and 3 to 5 coccygeal vertebrae. Each level, except C1, consists of the following elements: a vertebral body (corpus vertebrae) anteriorly and…
Introduction Infection of the musculoskeletal system is encountered in everyday clinical practice and the scope of this chapter includes both osteomyelitis and soft-tissue infection. Osteomyelitis is defined as infection of the bone marrow and adjacent osseous structures, with or without…
Introduction This chapter considers skeletal trauma with an emphasis on the importance of the conventional radiograph in establishing the diagnosis of bone injury. The role of CT and MRI in identifying occult bone injury and more accurately defining patterns of…
Imaging of Joint Disease The imaging of joint disease is complex, with the radiologist required to combine imaging findings and clinical information to accurately characterise arthritis. This chapter details the general principles of the radiographic assessment of arthritis and the…
Bone Physiology and Pathophysiology Bone is a composite material whose extracellular matrix mainly consists of mineral (hydroxylapatite (Ca 10 (P0 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ), collagen (mainly type 1), and non-collagenous proteins. Though bone appears rigid and inert, it…