7 Tesla MRI Evaluation of the Spine

7 Tesla MRI Evaluation of the Spine

High-resolution MRI (7 Tesla) of the spine is capable to differentiate osseous spurs from discus-material and better depict the compressed nerve in the neuroforamen compared to 3T MRI.

Provide the surgeon with a detailed high-resolution anatomical image before surgery and potential no need for CT (if the bony anatomy is of crucial importance).

Inclusion criteria:

• Informed consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form)
• >18 years old
• Patients presenting chronic back pain (> 2 months) without recent trauma, previous MRI (1,5 or 3T) for clinicals indications or asymptomatic individuals (for depicting normal microanatomy)

Exclusion criteria:

• previous surgery
• tumor patients
• pregnancy or breast feeding
• any MRI contra-indications