[MRI in degenerative and post-traumatic changes of the spine].

A short introduction to the technical aspects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - knowledge of which is indispensable for the appropriate obtaining and interpretation of MRI images of the spine - is followed by an overview of detectable physiological bone marrow changes as seen on MRI over the course of life. The ability of MRI to depict degenerative and post-traumatic changes of the spine is demonstrated, and its value in the diagnostic work-up is discussed.