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 • 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 • 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 • Global spinal balance is equally important as it is a dynamic process that includes the spine along with compensatory mechanisms consisting of the hips, and ankles. •…
Key Points • Pathologic changes seen in facet joint degeneration include fibrillation, joint space narrowing, articular cartilage thinning, subchondral bone sclerosis, osteophytosis, and development of juxta-facet cysts. • Risk factors…
Key points • Erector spinae, lumbar multifidus, quadratus lumborum, and psoas major are commonly investigated paraspinal muscles. • Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography provide high-quality muscle images for the…
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 • 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…
