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--- library:spine_deep_dive [2026/06/05 16:58] – scott
+++ library:spine_deep_dive [2026/06/11 05:53] (current) – scott
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 ====What is this page?====
-This page is dedicated to more technical information regarding spine imaging, to include anatomy, MRI technique, pathology, and more of the 'why' of spine MRI. This page will follow the format of a question and answer dialogue for each topic.
+This page is dedicated to more technical information regarding spine imaging, to include anatomy, MRI technique, and more of the 'why' of spine MRI. This page will follow the format of a question and answer dialogue for each topic. See [[:pathology|MR Pathology]] for various diseases of the spine.
-====Important Spine Anatomy to Know====
+====What is Important Spine Anatomy to Know For Scanning?====
-{{:library:discanatomyslide.png?400|}}  {{:library:spinalcordanatomyslide.png?400|}}  {{:library:lumbarplexusanatomyslide.png?400|}}
+  * **Cervical**: 7 Vertebrae
+  * **Thoracic**: 13 Vertebrae
+  * **Lumbar**: 7 Vertebrae
+Comfort with the anatomy of the spine, Vertebrae, and spinal cord are imperative for good scans. Click on each slide to expand.
+{{:library:discanatomyslide.png?400|}}  {{:library:spinalcordanatomyslide.png?400|}}  {{:library:lumbarplexusanatomyslide.png?400|}}  {{:library:vertebralanatomyslide.png?400|}}
+====Brachial Plexus====
+The brachial plexus is a network of nerves exiting the spinal cord bilaterally between roughly C3/4 and T1/2 that travel through the axilla and innervate the forelimbs. Because the nerves travel up through the limb, positioning is important when examining the brachial plexus. Typically, extend and secure the limbs rostrally and symmetrically for best visualization. The use of an anterior coil can greatly improve SNR as well, as the ventral thorax can be far from the spine coil, especially in deep chested dogs. Quality imaging of the brachial plexus should include:
+  * All 3 planes: Sagittal, Axial, and Dorsal
+  * Motion reduction: High bandwidth, extra averages/NEX, BLADE/PROPELLER
+  * Large FOV: Demonstrate any changes to muscles
+  * Post contrast imaging with fat saturation
+For more details on scanning technique see [[:brachial_plexus|Brachial Plexus MRI]]
+See the images below to get a sense of the brachial plexus anatomy
+{{:library:nerve_stir_sag_mip.gif?|}}
+{{:library:nerve_stir_ax_mip.gif?|}}
+{{:library:nerve_stir_dor_mip.gif?|}}
+{{:library:nerve_stir_mip_rotate.gif?|}}
+====Lumbar Plexus====
+The lumbar plexus is a network of nerves that exit the lumbar spine bilaterally from L4 and innervate the hindlimbs. When imaging the lumbar plexus, it may be necessary to image down through the femurs, so positioning the hindlimbs extended and internally rotated is preferable. The typical frog-leg positioning would preclude imaging most of the femur and hindlimb muscles on many scanners, and increase imaging time due to the amount of oversampling that would be required.
+{{:library:dor_mensa_plexus_mip.gif?|}}
 ====Why is it important to use an odd number of slices for sagittal spine imaging?====