Magnetic Resonance Neurography for Evaluation of Dorsal Root Ganglion Morphology.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nIn this study, the morphological characteristics and anatomic position of the Dorsal Root Ganglion（DRG）were measured and analyzed in healthy people using Magnetic Resonance Neurography (MRN), providing an anatomical reference for minimally invasive spinal surgery.\n\n\nMETHODS\nFrom January 2018 to December 2019, 20 healthy adult volunteers (10 males and 10 females between 20-65 years old) were scanned and imaged by 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging combined with neuroimaging technology. Here, the position of the DRG was located, and the shape and size of the DRG, as well as its distance to the upper pedicle, were measured.\n\n\nRESULTS\nAll volunteers obtained satisfactory MRN scans of the L1-S1 lumbar DRG. According to the spatial position of the DRG, the morphology of the DRG can be divided into Intervertebral Foramen type (81.01%), Intraspinal type (16.01%), Extraforaminal type (0.8%) and Mixed type (2.0%).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nIntervertebral foramen type and Intraspinal type were observed to be the main distribution forms of lumbar DRG. Due to the downward movement of lumbar segments, the position of the DRG was noted to gradually move to the spinal canal while its volume gradually increased. Additionally, the distance from the upper pedicle was found to decrease gradually. MRN imaging can clearly show the shape, location and adjacent relationship of the DRG, providing effective imaging guidance for the minimally invasive lumbar techniques.