Imaging of Structural Abnormalities of the Sacrum: The Old Faithful and Newly Emerging Techniques

Abstract

The sacrum and sacroiliac joints pose a long-standing challenge for adequate imaging because of their complex anatomical form, oblique orientation, and posterior location in the pelvis, making them subject to superimposition. The sacrum and sacroiliac joints are composed of multiple diverse tissues, further complicating their imaging. Varying imaging techniques are suited to evaluate the sacrum, each with its specific clinical indications, benefits, and drawbacks. New techniques continue to be developed and validated, such as dual-energy computed tomography (CT) and new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, for example susceptibility-weighted imaging. Ongoing development of artificial intelligence, such as algorithms allowing reconstruction of MRI-based synthetic CT images, promises even more clinical imaging options.

Keywords

sacrum - sacroiliac joints - magnetic resonance imaging - dual-energy computed tomography - artificial intelligence

Publication History

Article published online:
14 September 2022

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