[Differential diagnosis of spinal processes using modern diagnostic procedures].

Modern diagnostic management of diseases of the spinal cord is discussed, illustrated by some exemplary cases and reviewed by the literature. Special attention is directed to high resolution tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid and electrophysiological methods. It seems conceivable that a shift from invasive methods to noninvasive procedures (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging) may occur.