Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine using the NeuroSwing System

Routine MR examinations of the cervical spine might be insufficient in the diagnosis of a stenotic problem of the spinal canal, especially when symptoms only occur in a specific position. Latest developments enable real-time dynamic MR examinations in the neutral position as well as anteflexion and retroflexion using a dynamic instrumentation system designed for the cervical spine. We report our experience using the dynamic NeuroSwing System.

Twenty patients with symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis were included. All examinations were performed using a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner. The patients were measured in the neutral position, and in dynamic anteflexion and retroflexion. Patients set their individual limits of movement interactively during the scan. The dynamic scans were performed within 51 seconds using a real-time TrueFisp (steady-state free precession) sequence with a slice thickness of 4 mm and a temporal resolution of 2.5 images per second.

The averaged anteflexion and retroflexion were 42.3 degrees and 47.25 degrees, respectively. An increase in spinal stenosis during movement was found in 5 patients.

Real-time dynamic examination of the cervical spine might be a useful supplement to the conventional static examination and may allow a more precise allocation of symptoms in some patients.