Download PDF
Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2014; 18(03): 219-227
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1375565
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Measurements and Classifications in Spine Imaging

Simone Waldt
1   Department of Radiology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Alexandra Gersing
2   Department of Neuroradiology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Melanie Brügel
1   Department of Radiology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 June 2014 (online)

Also available at
   Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Imaging criteria and radiologic measurements play a key role in the diagnosis of spinal diseases. In addition, they often create the basis of classification systems that determine the severity of the disease and thereby enable a stage-related therapy. A clearly defined nomenclature for imaging findings as well as standardized and thoroughly evaluated methods of measurement are necessary to achieve a sufficiently high diagnostic accuracy. Various specialized committees dealing with the diagnosis of spinal diseases have made efforts within the last years to develop diagnostic standards. This review provides an overview of radiologic measurements and classification systems that are currently used for the diagnosis of scoliosis and degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine.

Keywords

spine - measurement - MRI - scoliosis - degenerative changes
 

  • References

  • 1 Weidenbaum M, Shore RM. Radiology in Spinal Deformity—Foundation Knowledge [ebook]. Available at: http://etext.srs.org/book/
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Waldt S, Eiber M. Spine. In: Waldt S, Woertler K, , eds. Measurements and Classification in Musculoskeletal Radiology. Stuttgart and New York: Thieme; 2013: 124-148
    Google Scholar
  • 3 Trobisch PD, Ducoffe AR, Lonner BS, Errico TJ. Choosing fusion levels in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2013; 21 (9) 519-528
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Cobb JR. Outline for the study of scoliosis. In: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, ed. Instructional course lectures. Vol 5. Ann Arbor, MI: Edwards; 1948
    Google Scholar
  • 5 Ferguson AB. The study and treatment of scoliosis. South Med J 1930; 23: 116-120
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Risser JC. The Iliac apophysis; an invaluable sign in the management of scoliosis. Clin Orthop 1958; 11 (11) 111-119
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Kuntz C. Deformity. In: Chapman JR, Lee MJ, Hermsmeyer JT, , et al, eds. Measurements in Spine Care. Stuttgart and New York: Thieme; 2012: 319-357
    Article in Thieme ConnectGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Smith JS, Shaffrey CI, Fu KM , et al. Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the adult spinal deformity patient. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2013; 24 (2) 143-156
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Nash Jr CL, Moe JH. A study of vertebral rotation. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1969; 51 (2) 223-229
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Lenke LG, Betz RR, Harms J , et al. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a new classification to determine extent of spinal arthrodesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2001; 83-A (8) 1169-1181
    Google Scholar
  • 11 Bernhardt M, Bridwell KH. Segmental analysis of the sagittal plane alignment of the normal thoracic and lumbar spines and thoracolumbar junction. Spine 1989; 14 (7) 717-721
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Dihlmann W, Bandick J. Die Gelenksilhouette: das Informationspotenzial der Röntgenstrahlen. Berlin, Germany: Springer; 1995
    CrossrefGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Biggemann M, Frobin W, Brinckmann P. The physiological pattern of lumbar intervertebral disk height. [in German]. Rofo 1997; 167 (1) 11-15
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Mamisch N, Brumann M, Hodler J, Held U, Brunner F, Steurer J ; Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Outcome Study Working Group Zurich. Radiologic criteria for the diagnosis of spinal stenosis: results of a Delphi survey. Radiology 2012; 264 (1) 174-179
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Steurer J, Roner S, Gnannt R, Hodler J ; LumbSten Research Collaboration. Quantitative radiologic criteria for the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis: a systematic literature review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2011; 12: 175
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Andreisek G, Hodler J, Steurer J. Uncertainties in the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis. Radiology 2011; 261 (3) 681-684
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 Herzog RJ, Kaiser JA, Saal JA, Saal JS. The importance of posterior epidural fat pad in lumbar central canal stenosis. Spine 1991; 16 (6, Suppl): S227-S233
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Hamanishi C, Matukura N, Fujita M, Tomihara M, Tanaka S. Cross-sectional area of the stenotic lumbar dural tube measured from the transverse views of magnetic resonance imaging. J Spinal Disord 1994; 7 (5) 388-393
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Mariconda M, Fava R, Gatto A, Longo C, Milano C. Unilateral laminectomy for bilateral decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis: a prospective comparative study with conservatively treated patients. J Spinal Disord Tech 2002; 15 (1) 39-46
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 Mikhael MA, Ciric I, Tarkington JA, Vick NA. Neuroradiological evaluation of lateral recess syndrome. Radiology 1981; 140 (1) 97-107
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 21 Strojnik T. Measurement of the lateral recess angle as a possible alternative for evaluation of the lateral recess stenosis on a CT scan. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2001; 113 (Suppl. 03) 53-58
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 22 Beers GJ, Carter AP, Leiter BE, Tilak SP, Shah RR. Interobserver discrepancies in distance measurements from lumbar spine CT scans. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1985; 144 (2) 395-398
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 23 Fardon DF, Milette PC ; Combined Task Forces of the North American Spine Society, American Society of Spine Radiology, and American Society of Neuroradiology. Nomenclature and classification of lumbar disc pathology. Recommendations of the combined task forces of the North American Spine Society, American Society of spine Radiology, and American Society of Neuroradiology. Spine 2001; 26 (5) E93-E113
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 24 Wiltse LL, Berger PE, McCulloch JA. A system for reporting the size and location of lesions in the spine. Spine 1997; 22 (13) 1534-1537
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 25 Modic MT, Steinberg PM, Ross JS, Masaryk TJ, Carter JR. Degenerative disk disease: assessment of changes in vertebral body marrow with MR imaging. Radiology 1988; 166 (1 Pt 1) 193-199
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 26 Modic MT, Masaryk TJ, Ross JS, Carter JR. Imaging of degenerative disk disease. Radiology 1988; 168 (1) 177-186
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 27 Rahme R, Moussa R. The Modic vertebral endplate and marrow changes: pathologic significance and relation to low back pain and segmental instability of the lumbar spine. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2008; 29 (5) 838-842
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 28 Braithwaite I, White J, Saifuddin A, Renton P, Taylor BA. Vertebral end-plate (Modic) changes on lumbar spine MRI: correlation with pain reproduction at lumbar discography. Eur Spine J 1998; 7 (5) 363-368
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar