This paper reviews experience with 12100 Axial Loader (AL) studies of the lumbar spine both in CT and in MRI 18 years after the development of axial loaded CT and MRI. The Axial Loader device is described together with the CT and MR acquisitions. Disc, intersomatic and articular facet changes are described with a breakdown of the classification of abnormalities as elementary or complex dynamic modifications.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, A glossary on spinal terminology. Chicago: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1981: 34.
2.
NachemsonAL. Instability of the lumbar spine: pathology, treatment, and clinical evaluation. Neurosurg Clin North Am.1991; 2: 785–790.
3.
CartolariR. Axial loader computed tomograpy of the lumbar spine. In: KaechDL and JinkinsJR eds. Spinal Restabilization Procedures. Elsevier Sciences. 2002: 59–66.
4.
DanielsonBWillenJ. Axially loaded magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine in asymptomatic individuals. Spine. 2001; 26: 2601–2601.
5.
JinkinsJRGreenCDamadianR. Upright, weight-bearing, dynamic-kinetic MRI of the spine: pMRI/kMRI. Riv Neuroradiol. 2001; 14: 135.
6.
KragMSeroussiREWilderDG. Internal displacement distribution from in vitro loading od human thoracic and lumbar spine motion segments: experimental results and theoretical predictions. Spine. 1987; 12: 1001–1007.
7.
SmithTJFernieGR. Functional biomechanics of the spine. Spine. 1991; 10: 1197–1203.
8.
CartolariRBoniS. La tomografia computerizzata con carico assiale della colonna lombare. Osservazioni preliminari. In: SalvoliniULeonardiM eds. Neuroradiologia. Udine: Centauro. 1993: 95–100.
9.
CartolariRScarfòGBBoniS. La TC con carico assiale nella instabilita del rachide lombo-sacrale. Riv Neuroradiologia. 1996; 9: 147–155.
10.
CartolariR. Functional evaluation of the lumbar spine with axial loaded computed tomography (AL studies) and Cine AL studies. Riv Neuroradiologia. 1997; 10: 569–584.
11.
BodenSDFrymoyerJW. Segmental stability: overview and classification. In: FrymoyerJW ed. The adult spine: principles and practice. 2nd Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven Publishers. 1997: 2137–2155.
12.
HazlettJWKinnardP. Lumbar apophiseal process excisions and spinal instability. Spine. 1982; 7: 171–176.
13.
Kirkaldy-WillisWHFarfanHF. Instability of the lumbar spine. Clin Orthop. 1982; 165: 110–123.
14.
WoodKBPoppCATransfeldtEE. Radiographic evaluation of instability in Spondylolisthesis. Spine. 1994; 19: 3–10.
15.
IshiharaHMatsuiHOsadaR. Facet joint asymmetry as a radiologic feature of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation in children and adolescents. Spine. 1997; 22: 2001–2004.
