Abstract #1238
Diffusion tensor imaging detects the spatial variation in fiber angle and lamellar number in intact human discs
Ron Noah Alkalay 1 , Dominik Meier 2 , Carl-Fredrik Westin 3 , and David B Hackney 4
1
Orthopedics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
Center, Boston, MA, United States,
2
Department
of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA,
United States,
3
Radiology, Brigham and Women's
Hospital, Boston, MA, United States,
4
Radiology,
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United
States
This study investigated the use of tensor diffusion
imaging to directly interrogate the spatial orientation
of collagen fibers in intact human disks. Four human
lumbar cadaver spinal discs (L2-L3), age 48-52 years,
were imaged in a 9.4 Tesla scanner. 3D (SE-EPI)
diffusion tensor image data was acquired using 30
non-collinear directions. Collagen fibers orientation
angle relative to the disks axial plane was computed at
each voxel. DTI analysis showed clear demarcation
between annulus and nucleus and the ability to count
number of lamellae within the annulus. Analysis of fiber
orientation showed fiber angle to increase as a function
of region within the annulus.
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