Oblique MR Imaging in Cervical Spine Surgery

Aim of this study was to appraise the efficacy of 45° oblique Magnetic Resonance (MR) Image in complicated cervical spinal pathologies and postoperative evaluation. Between the years 2002 and 2007 we practiced 252 surgical interventions due to degenerative cervical spinal disorders. In their follow-up, some of the patients were evaluated by oblique MR images because of persistent radiculopathy. Four cases were presented to notice efficacy of oblique MR imaging. First case emphasizes its importance also in decision of treatment in the preoperative period. In the second case, reoperation was decided regarding oblique MR images. Third case draws attention to the artifacts due to implants and efficacy of 45° oblique MR images in such circumstances. In the fourth case despite the implants, foramina could be visualized clearly in oblique cuts. Patients with postoperative radiculopathy with implants that could not be ascribed to any pathology visible in the conventional MR sequences might benefit from oblique MR imaging