Assessment of the relative impact of magnetic resonance imaging on the evaluation of rheumatoid disease of the cervical spine

Abstract

A study was made of 15 patients with rheumatoid involvement of the neck in whom neurologic symptoms were of sufficient severity that operative intervention was being planned. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in all patients and compared with conventional radiography, conventional tomography, myelography and computed tomography (CT) assisted myelography. MRI clearly demonstrated any deformity or compression of the cord and was able to show the effects of flexion and extension of the neck. It is concluded that MRI could replace myelography for defining cord compression. If details of atlanto-axial alignment and bony outline of the spinal canal are required then CT will provide the appropriate images.