Magnetic resonance imaging in the spinal column and craniovertebral junction

Despite current limitations, MRI shows considerable diagnostic potential and provides a new perspective on abnormalities involving the spinal column. The overall initial experience shows that MRI has much to offer, both as an adjunct to current methods and as a primary diagnostic modality in its own right. It offers the unique opportunity to view both anatomic and pathologic changes in the spinal cord; disease processes identified only indirectly by other imaging modalities can now be imaged in vivo. The clinical efficacy of MRI in imaging the spinal column will undoubtedly increase as the technology is refined.