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European Spine Journal

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01-04-2017 | Original Article

A controlled study on the anatomy of cervical extraforaminal ligaments and three-dimensional fast-imaging employing a steady-state acquisition sequence

Authors: Junlin Li, Benchao Shi, Shijun Qiu, Zihai Ding, Lina Wang

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance three-dimensional fast-imaging employing a steady-state acquisition (MR 3D-FIESTA) sequence to study cervical EFLs using the anatomical results of cadavers as the gold standard.

Methods

Part I: The cervical regions of five embalmed adult cadavers were scanned using the MR 3D-FIESTA sequence. Ligamentous structures in the intervertebral foramina (IVFs) between C4 and T1 in the MRI scans were identified by a radiologist. Part II: After the specimens were scanned, gross and microscopic anatomical studies were conducted on the IVFs between C4 and T1 in the specimens by an anatomist. Part III: Using the anatomical results of the cadavers as the gold standard, the utility of the MR 3D-FIESTA sequence for imaging cervical EFLs was evaluated. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) and accuracy were calculated.

Results

The occurrence rate of transforaminal ligaments (TFLs) in the IVFs between C4 and T1 was 42.5%. The results obtained by the radiologist using the MR 3D-FIESTA sequence to identify TFLs are as follows: specificity 96.2%, sensitivity 76.5%, PPV 92.9%, NPV 86.2%, and accuracy 88.4%.

Conclusion

MR 3D-FIESTA sequences clearly showed cervical EFLs. In the 3D-FIESTA sequence scans that the radiologist believed to indicate the presence of a cervical TFL, the probability that the TFL existed was approximately 93%. When the radiologist believed that no TFL was present in the 3D-FIESTA sequence scan, the probability that a TFL existed was 14%.

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Title: A controlled study on the anatomy of cervical extraforaminal ligaments and three-dimensional fast-imaging employing a steady-state acquisition sequence
Authors: Junlin Li
Benchao Shi
Shijun Qiu
Zihai Ding
Lina Wang
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4823-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A controlled study on the anatomy of cervical extraforaminal ligaments and three-dimensional fast-imaging employing a steady-state acquisition sequence

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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