[Biochemical magnetic resonance imaging of intervertebral discs and facet joints].

The limited specificity of standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with low back pain encourages the development of new imaging techniques. Quantitative MR methods have the potential to assess biochemical changes of spinal structures in vivo. Early diagnosis of intervertebral disc and facet joint changes in young to middle aged patients allows the use of a specific therapy and preventative measures. Potential techniques are T2 and T2* mapping, diffusion-weighted imaging, magnetization transfer imaging, T1ρ mapping, sodium imaging and MR spectroscopy. Well designed longitudinal therapy studies, which assess biochemical and clinical parameters, are necessary. High-field MR systems (3 Tesla) are needed for high resolution biochemical MRI and clinically reasonable scan times.