Weight-bearing MRI of the Lumbar Spine: Technical Aspects.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an established role in the assessment of degenerative musculoskeletal conditions. However, conventional supine MRI findings often correlate poorly with clinical findings. Some patients experience accentuated back pain in the weight-bearing position. Therefore, supine MRI may underestimate the severity of degenerative spine findings. To try and improve the clinical validity of spine imaging, axial loading devices have been used with conventional supine MR imaging to simulate loading of the upright spine. More recently, upright weight-bearing MRI systems (0.25-0.6 T) were introduced, allowing images to be obtained in the standing or seated weight-bearing position and even during upright flexion or extension, rotation, or bending. Some scanners even enable capturing of real-time spinal movement. This review addresses the technical aspects and potential challenges of weight-bearing MRI, both in clinical practice and research.

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Mikael Boesen received travel grants from Esaote (Genoa, Italy) to ESSR 2012, 2014, and 2017, Modena, Italy, November 2013, Imola, Italy, June 2017, ECR 2014, First and Second Weight-bearing MRI meeting (Rome 2016 and Bangkok 2018). Bjarke Brandt Hansen has received a travel grant from Esaote, Genoa, to the First Weight-bearing MRI meeting, Rome 2016.