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Measurement of lumbar spine flexion-extension using a low-field open-magnet magnetic resonance scanner
S B Harvey1, F W Smith, D W Hukins
1Department of Bio-Medical Physics, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, United Kingdom.
Rationale And Objectives:
The authors investigated the feasibility of using a low-field open-magnet magnetic resonance (MR) scanner to acquire functional flexion-extension images for range of motion (ROM) measurements on the lumbar spine.
Methods:
Seventeen healthy subjects with no symptoms of back pain (age range, 22-59 years) were scanned in a low-field open-magnet MR scanner in the flexed, neutral, and extended positions. Each image was downloaded to a computer workstation for subsequent flexion-extension, lordosis, and ROM measurement.
Results:
Data from two subjects were not analyzed because their images did not show all the lumbar vertebrae. For the remaining 15, there was a large variation in the magnitude of the ROM values (range, 9 degrees-70 degrees; mean 36.4 degrees, SD 16.5 degrees). However, there was a significant correlation between age and ROM (r = -0.63; P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The low-field open-magnet MR scanner provides a method for noninvasive imaging of the lumbar spine, allowing the subject freedom of movement in the horizontal plane. This enables functional flexion-extension images of the lumbar spine to be acquired.