Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor
Published on: July 24, 2012
Functional cervical MRI within the scope of whiplash injuries: presentation of a new motion device for the cervical
Klaus Birnbaum1, Uwe Maus, Josef Tacke
1Orthopaedic Clinic Hennef, Adenauerplatz 1, 53773, Hennef, Germany. drbirnbaum@web.de
Purpose:
Frequently following a whiplash injury of the cervical spine, patients suffer from persistent pain symptoms. The MRI will in some of these cases show changes consistent with disk pathology or spinal stenosis, although in most instances the imaging studies will offer no adequate explanation for the described symptoms. The goal of our research was to develop and test a new MRI compatible device that will allow functional imaging of the cervical spine.
Methods:
A total of 30 patients with whiplash injuries were evaluated during the first 6 weeks following trauma with the functional MRI. The examination was carried out with a T2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence utilizing a new apparatus consisting of an inflatable air bag contained in a Plexiglas housing. Thanks to a valve placed outside of the examination room, it was possible to individually regulate the amount of air used to fill the pillow, thereby obtaining a full range of motion between flexion and extension.
Results:
In 25 cases no pathology was found during this examination. Two patients presented with scarring of the alar ligaments, indicative of a traumatic lesion. In two other instances the images in reclination revealed a bulging disk, while in one case a widening of the disk space was found as a sign for a rupture of the anterior longitudinal ligament.
Conclusion:
Our study was able to demonstrate the applicability of the new functional testing device, which permits a standardized, continuous and dynamic evaluation of the cervical spine in a closed MRI.
Insights
This study introduces a new MRI-compatible device for functional cervical spine imaging after whiplash injuries. The device allows dynamic evaluation, aiding in the diagnosis of persistent pain symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Whiplash injuries often cause persistent cervical spine pain.
- Standard MRI may not reveal the cause of pain after whiplash.
- There is a need for advanced imaging techniques to assess cervical spine function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a novel MRI-compatible device for functional cervical spine imaging.
- To evaluate the device's utility in patients with whiplash-associated disorders.
Main Methods:
- A functional MRI protocol was used with a new MRI-compatible apparatus.
- The apparatus features an inflatable air pillow to achieve a full range of motion (flexion-extension).
- Thirty patients with recent whiplash injuries were examined within six weeks of trauma.
Main Results:
- The functional MRI device demonstrated applicability in evaluating the cervical spine.
- Specific pathologies were identified in a minority of patients, including ligamentous scarring and disk abnormalities.
- In most cases, the functional imaging provided a dynamic assessment of the cervical spine.
Conclusions:
- The developed functional testing device enables standardized, continuous, and dynamic evaluation of the cervical spine within an MRI.
- This technology has the potential to improve the diagnostic yield for patients with unexplained pain after whiplash injuries.
