This study is to test the feasibility of visualizing waves propagating in the spine and measuring the strain in the intervertebral discs (IVDs) in vivo with Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). Our results show that waves can be visualized, and that IVD shear strain can be quantitatively assessed. Degeneration of the IVD is thought to decrease disc shear stiffness. Preliminary results in a series of volunteers demonstrated increasing IVD shear strain with age, consistent with the known gradual degradation of IVD function with age.
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