Changes in vertebral neural arch morphometry and functional tethering of spinal cord in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis--study with multi-planar reformat magnetic resonance imaging.

With the use of multiplanar reformat Magnetic Resonance imaging, AIS patients were found to have significantly reduced pedicle widths on concavity. Pattern of vertebral asymmetry was also exaggerated with smaller pedicle width, length and area on concavity. The cord appeared more roundish and was deviated to the concavity at apical vertebra in AIS. A tethering force might therefore be present on the cord along the transverse axis in AIS, accounted by the relatively fixed position of the exit nerve roots and deviation of the cord from the exit foraminae of the corresponding vertebra.