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European Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Published in:

01-03-2014 | Original Article

Diagnostic value of 3D fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition MR imaging for lumbar foraminal nerve root entrapment

Authors: Osamu Nemoto, Akira Fujikawa, Atsuko Tachibana

Published in: European Orthopaedics and Traumatology | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background and purpose

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may fail to diagnose lumbar foraminal nerve root entrapment (LFNRE). Recently, it has been reported that three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (3D FIESTA) is useful for demonstrating the cranial nerves and spinal cord. However, its application to lumbar nerve root has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 3D FIESTA in the diagnosis of LFNRE.

Subjects and methods

We retrospectively selected 33 male patients, with an average age of 51.6 years, who met the following criteria: (1) single L4 or L5 radiculopathy, (2) pain reproduction during provocative radiculography, and (3) improvement of symptoms after surgery. In all patients, LFNRE was observed at surgery. There were 15 cases with lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS), 12 cases with lateral disc herniation (LDH), and 6 cases with spondylolytic listhesis (SL). We compared the symptomatic nerve root to the asymptomatic nerve roots on conventional two-dimensional MRI and 3D FIESTA images.

Results

In the symptomatic nerve roots, visualization of entrapment by conventional MRI was demonstrated in 60, 92, and 33 % of the cases with LFS, LDH, and SL, respectively. In contrast, 3D FIESTA clearly visualized the entrapment in all cases.

Conclusions

3D FIESTA imaging revealed an excellent view of the lumbar nerve roots, compared with conventional MRI. Therefore, we suggest that 3D FIESTA adds additional and more specific information for the investigation of LFNRE.

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Title: Diagnostic value of 3D fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition MR imaging for lumbar foraminal nerve root entrapment
Authors: Osamu Nemoto
Akira Fujikawa
Atsuko Tachibana
Publication date: 01-03-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Orthopaedics and Traumatology / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1867-4569
Electronic ISSN: 1867-4577
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12570-013-0202-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Diagnostic value of 3D fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition MR imaging for lumbar foraminal nerve root entrapment

Abstract

Background and purpose

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and purpose

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusions

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