Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

This type of diagnosis is carried out externally.

Hydrogen atoms, which are present in the tissues in varying concentrations, are stimulated by the magnetic field in such a way that a cross-section can be generated at any level. In this way images can be made of the spinal cord, nerve root, lumbar discs, joint cartilage, ligaments, tendons and much more besides.

Methods

The nuclear spin tomography (nuclear magnetic resonance, NMR or magnetic resonance tomography, MRT) visualises the structures of the human body by recording the electrical field that is created by stimulating the atomic nuclei in the tissues with a strong magnetic field. The patient is laid into a solenoid, which simultaneously fulfils the function of detector by recording the magnetic field arising from magnetic stimulation and digitalising it into a computer image. The signals are picked up by the hydrogen nucleus, which comprises a single proton and is strongly influenced by the magnetic field. Hydrogen-rich, and therefore extremely hydrous, tissue has high signal intensity; tissue with a lower proportion of hydrogen nuclei (e.g. bones) has low signal intensity. The nuclear spin tomography therefore not only provides a morphological image, but also gives insight into tissue chemistry.

Medical indication

Up to now nuclear spin tomography has been one of the most complicated and cost-intensive diagnostic procedures. The equipment is being continually improved and the possibilities for revealing chemical processes have not yet been fully exhausted. Nuclear spin tomography already plays an important part in providing significant information on orthopaedic diseases with CNS involvement. Nuclear spin tomography is unequalled in the diagnosis of primary diseases and traumatic cerebral and spinal changes.