[Nuclear magnetic resonance tomography of the spine and spinal cord compared with computed tomography and myelography].

In cases of syringomyelia MR is superior to CT and myelography in visualisation and delineation of the extent of the process. In diagnosing spinal tumours MR is a more sensitive method than CT and myelography. MR provides additional information on sagittal and frontal planes regarding the extent of the tumour. In diagnosis of disc prolapse MR seems to be as accurate as CT or myelography. We obtained additional information in diagnosis of degenerated disc tissue. Spinal stenosis is easily recognisable. CT was superior in differentiation of bony and disc protrusion. The results show that MR has opened up new possibilities in the diagnosis of spinal diseases and will result in a reorientation of the diagnostic approach.