Cervical spine anatomy and pathologic processes. Applications of new MR imaging techniques.

Important information regarding the MR appearance of the cervical spine can be obtained using spin-echo and gradient-pulse sequences with motion reduction techniques and intravenous gadolinium-DTPA. In this article the normal MR appearance of the cervical spine is presented, using these newer techniques. Some artifacts and pathologic conditions that may alter the normal appearance of the cervical spine are illustrated.