Comparing axial loaded MRI to standing radiographs in the evaluation of AIS

Introduction In patients with AIS, standing radiographs are the standard of care for curve surveillance, but have negative long-term effects from repeated x-ray exposure. MRI provides high quality images in the coronal plane that can be used to measure Cobb angles. Because MRI is done in the supine position, there is no gravitational effect and curve magnitudes appear smaller. Gravity can be reproduced by an axial load on the spine while supine in the MRI. This study will examine whether those supine axial loaded MRI images produce Cobb angles that are similar to those from standing radiographs.