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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2023; 27(05): 553-560
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770996
Review Article

Imaging the Posterior Elements of the Spine

Nick Van den Eede 
1   Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
2   Department of Radiology, AZ KLINA, Brasschaat, Belgium
,
Klaus M. Friedrich
3   Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
,
Luc van den Hauwe 
1   Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
2   Department of Radiology, AZ KLINA, Brasschaat, Belgium
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Abstract

The posterior elements of the spine consist of the pedicles, laminae, facets (articular processes), transverse processes, and the spinous process. They are essential for spinal stability, protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots, and enabling movement of the spine. Pathologies affecting the posterior elements can cause significant pain and disability. Imaging techniques, such as conventional radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are crucial for the diagnosis and evaluation of pathology, enabling accurate localization, characterization, and staging of the disease.

Keywords

facet joint osteoarthritis - stress fracture - spondylolysis - spondylolisthesis - Baastrup's disease


Publication History

Article published online:
10 October 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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