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Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
MR imaging of thoracic disk herniations
T L Francavilla1, A Powers, T Dina
1Department of Neurological Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance (MR) is of value in imaging intervertebral disk disease. We present the MR findings in two patients with thoracic disk herniations who required surgical intervention. The advantages of MR over CT myelography are ease of obtaining sagittal sections, rapid assessment of the entire thoracic spine, and a high rate of patient acceptance related to the noninvasive nature of MR and lack of morbidity and complications. For these reasons, we currently rely, almost exclusively, on MR for evaluating thoracic disk disease.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) is a valuable, noninvasive tool for diagnosing thoracic disk herniations. It offers superior imaging of the entire spine compared to CT myelography, leading to high patient acceptance.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Imaging
Background:
- Intervertebral disk disease, particularly thoracic disk herniations, can cause significant neurological deficits.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for surgical planning and patient management.
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