Musculoskeletal Key

Key points • Lumbar spinal stenosis is a complex disease with a plethora of clinical and imaging phenotypes. • Developmental lumbar spinal stenosis is caused by mal-development of pedicles and…

Key points • Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a hyperostotic condition of the spine associated with severe neurologic deficits. The incidence is higher in East Asians. •…

Key points • Intervertebral disc displacement is not a “disease,” but is a component of many variations of disorders of the spine. • The displaced disc material and the effects…

Key points • Modic changes are subchondral and vertebral bone marrow changes in conjunction with intervertebral disc degeneration, and they are classified into three categories (types 1, 2, and 3)…

Key points • The vertebral endplate is the key regulator of disc nutrient and oxygen transport. • The endplate is composed of an inner bony and an outer cartilaginous layer…

Key points • High-intensity zones (HIZs) represent a hyperintense signal on T2-weighted MRI in the region of the annulus fibrosus and can be used to represent annular tears. • HIZs…

Key points • Disc space narrowing and osteophyte formation are features of the general spine condition known as intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration • IVD degeneration is an age-related condition •…

Key points • Intimate relationships between osseous, nervous, vascular, and soft tissue structures of the spine are critical to normal function. • A thorough understanding of these relationships is essential…

Key points • The process of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration consists of gradual structural and biochemical changes that may lead to pain and disability. • IVD degeneration is multifaceted, mediated…