The European Journal of Radiology published a study by researchers Van der Kolk et al, from Isala Hospital in Zwolle, the Netherlands. The purpose was to investigate whether the image quality of BoneMRI of the cervical spine is non-inferior to conventional CT. Paired MRI and CT data was collected from 25 participants with cervical radiculopathy. Qualitative image analysis by experienced radiologists and quantitative assessment of bone geometry and voxelwise radiodensities were performed.

The results showed that BoneMRI was noninferior to CT for overall bone image quality, artifacts, imaging of intervertebral joints and neural foramina at vertebral levels C3-C4 and C6-C7, and cortical delineation at C6-C7. The geometrical analysis of BoneMRI showed good to excellent agreement with CT, further strengthened by the radiodensity similarity.

In conclusion, BoneMRI was non-inferior to conventional CT for the general visualisation of bony structures of the cervical spine, artefacts, and most detailed structure assessments.

“This clinical validation study is the first to validate BoneMRI in the cervical spine demonstrating high image quality across a range of degenerative spine pathologies. We are very pleased with the results and look forward to continuing the development of this technology for other anatomies, including the entire spine”, commented iCEO & CSO, Peter Seevinck.

BoneMRI for the cervical spine is marketed by MRIguidance as a CE labelled product for the European market, together with support for the lumbar spine and pelvic region.