Background
The constant need for further developments in intra-operative imaging led to intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI). To our knowledge “Lessons Learned” about intra-operative MRI of the spine in patients with syringomyelia and / or Chiari malformation have not been published by now.
Methods
A total of 136 patients were examined using ioMRI of the spine from 26 June 2013 to 29 March 2019. In 45 patients because of syringomyelia and / or Chiari malformation.
Results
It was possible to get usable scans in all patients. The most tricky region was the thoracic spine because of the movement in prone position. The information of the scans influenced in more than half of the patients the decisions during surgery.
Conclusions
The equipment used in Ulm is effective. It makes high-quality ioMRI examinations possible.