This document discusses MRI examinations of the spine. It aims to understand the basics of spinal MRI, identify normal spinal anatomy on images, and recognize common degenerative lesions. It provides information on tissue contrast on T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. It also describes the normal anatomy and common pathologies that can be seen in the lumbar and sacral spine region, including discs, bones, joints, and ligaments.

2. Objectives
• Understand the basics of MRI examinations of the spine.
• Identify the normal anatomy of vertebral column on MR
images.
• Identify the MR picture of common degenerative lesions
of the spine.

3. FM
AM
T1
T2

5. T1

6. T2

9. T1 T2
Fat Hyperintense Hyperintense
Water Hypointense hyperintense
Cortical bone Hypointense Hypointense
Fibrous tissue Hypointense Hypointense

14. Lumbo-sacral
spine
Bone
Medullary Cortical
Disc
Nucleus
bulbosus
Annulos
fibrosus
Apophyseal
joint
Ligaments
Ligamentum
flavum
Posterior
logitudinal
ligament

30. Lumbo-Sacral Spine
Bone
Osteophytes Modic Changes
Disc
Disc dissication
Bulge/Protrusion/
Herniation
Apophyseal
joint
Osteoarthritis
Ligaments
Ligamentum
flavum thickening
Posterior
logitudinal
ligament tear

31. 

32. 

33. 

34. 
T1 T2
Modic I Hypointense Hyperintense Edema
Modic II Hyperintense Hyperintense Fatty degeneration
Modic III Hypointense Hypointense Bony sclerosis

35. 
T1 T2
Modic I Hypointense Hyperintense Edema

36. 
T1 T2
Modic II Hyperintense Hyperintense Fatty degeneration

37. 
T1 T2
Modic III Hypointense Hypointense Bony sclerosis

38. 

39. 

40. 

41. 

42. 

43. 

44. 

46. 1.Primary
2.Secondary

53. Normal Bulge (≥ 50%) Protrusion (≤ 50%)
Central Paracentral Postero-lateral
Lateral