Imaging of the pediatric spine and its contents

We are at the crossroads of imaging of the diseases of the spine and its contents. There are different competing imaging modalities, each with its own merits and demerits. This review paper is designed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the various available imaging modalities and to recommend one or a combination of imaging modalities that are suited for assessing a particular disease process. At present, magnetic resonance imaging has proved its extreme usefulness in depicting diseases of the spinal cord and its coverings. As more innovations and sophistications occur in magnetic resonance imaging, it is hoped that it will play a pivotal role in the investigation of abnormalities of the spinal cord and perhaps even of the spine itself.