Selective three-dimensional MR imaging of the spine

A recently developed selective three-dimensional (3D) Fourier transform imaging technique offers several advantages over conventional two-dimensional multislice magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. These advantages include improved signal-to-noise ratio, thinner slices without gaps, and shorter echo time/repetition time pulse sequences. Five normal volunteers and 30 patients with a variety of spinal pathology were examined using surface coils. The 3D technique appears very promising and could become the major method for imaging the spine.