Diagnostic Technology for Spine Pathology

Abstract

Diagnostic techniques for spinal pathologies have been developed in accordance with advances in technology. Accurate diagnosis of spinal pathology is essential for appropriate management of spinal diseases. Since the development of X-rays in 1895 and computed tomography (CT) in 1967, several diagnostic imaging modalities have been utilized for detecting spinal pathologies, including radiography, CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and radionuclide imaging. In addition to diagnostic imaging technologies, electrodiagnostic tests, including electromyography and nerve conduction studies, play a significant role as diagnostic tools, as spinal diseases are mostly profoundly associated with pathologies of the neural structures, such as the spinal cord and nerve root, and extent of injury at the structure cannot be adequately detected by conventional imaging techniques. In patient-specific treatment strategies, usage of diagnostic modalities is of great importance; thus, we should be aware of the basic details and approaches of the different diagnostic modalities. In this review, the authors discuss the details of the technologies that aid in the diagnosis of spinal pathologies.

Identification of L5 vertebra on lumbar spine radiographs using deep learning

“…18 Lumbar spine pathology and related clinical symptoms are strongly associated with specific lumbar nerve roots, which can be localized to the lumbar spine level. 19 The selection of incorrect lumbar spine levels increases the likelihood of identifying the wrong lumbar nerve root, which can result in the treatment of incorrect lumbar segment levels during interventional or surgical procedures. 20 Historically, several methods for accurately identifying the lumbar spine level have been reported, including a method using the 12th rib, iliolumbar ligament, kidney level, and craniocaudal level on whole-spine radiographs.…”

Can We Control Lateral Shoulder Balance Through Proximal Thoracic Curve Correction in Lenke Type 2 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

“…Preoperative right and left side-bending radiograph films and standing posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were collected before and after surgery 20 . Prone radiographs were obtained by the position with lying down.…”

“…Preoperative right and left side-bending radiograph films and standing posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were collected before and after surgery. 20 Prone radiographs were obtained by the position with lying down. Side-bending radiographs were obtained passively by positioning a hard pillow under the apex without muscle relaxation.…”

Risk of Epilepsy in Children Presenting to Emergency Departments with Their First Afebrile Seizure: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

“…Early detection of epilepsy development in children with afebrile seizures is important [ 1 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. When evaluating a new-onset afebrile seizure in children, electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging tests are recommended as part of the neuro-diagnostic evaluations [ 12 , 13 ]. However, it is difficult to perform routine EEG in the ED given the lack of equipment and staffing problems (EEG laboratories usually operate during the daytime) [ 14 ].…”