Independent studies show the value of axially loaded diagnostic imaging.

Axial Loading During MR Imaging Can Influence Treatment Decision for Symptomatic Spinal Stenosis, Akio Hiwatashi, Barbro Danielson, Toshio Moritani, Robert S. Bakos, Thomas G. Rodenhause, Webster H. Pilcher and Per-Lennart Westesson, American Journal of Neuroradiology 25:170-174, February 2004

These experienced neurosurgeons reviewed non-axially loaded MRI images of 20 patients with narrowing of the spinal canal and then subsequently reviewed axially loaded MRI images of those same 20 patients.

• All three neurosurgeons changed their treatment decisions from conservative management to decompressive surgery for 5 of the 20 patients;
• Two of the three neurosurgeons changed their treatment decisions for 7 of the 20 patients;
• One of the three neurosurgeons changed his treatment decisions for 11 of the 20 patients.

Case Samples