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August 2004

THE AASP PROMOTES NON-INVASIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE LIVING SPINE

Members of the Scientific Council of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) have initiated discussions with prominent neuroradiologists to begin a research project utilizing an emerging new tool in the field of neuroimaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The techniques of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been established over the past two decades. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive analytical technique that has been used to study metabolic changes in brain tumors, strokes, seizure disorders, Alzheimer's disease, depression and other diseases affecting the brain. It has also been used to study the metabolism of other organs.

 

The technology provides a window to assess tissue metabolism in the living subject. The AASP is investigating whether it is currently feasible to begin acquiring biochemical information about the spine using MRS to evaluate the intervertebral disc in the normal, disease and post-interventional states. The current role of MRS in diagnosis and therapeutic planning for the spine has not been established at this time.



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