Weight-bearing Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cervical Spine.

The cervical spine is subject to the effect of gravity in the upright position. Weight-bearing upright magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) potentially allows a better diagnosis and evaluation of cervical spine pathology that may be masked or not fully appreciated in the usual non-weight-bearing supine position. Only limited studies are currently available in this area. This article summarizes the current literature on weight-bearing MRI of the cervical spine. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.