# A CT, MR AND CRYOMICROTOMIC STUDY OF SPINE ANATOMY

> **NIH NIH R01** · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · 1989 · $158,173

## Abstract

A major focus of this project has been improving the accuracy of
interpretation of spine MR and CT by precise anatomic correlations.
Progress toward the first objective, a systematic correlation of
MR and CT images with sections has been documented in 40 journal
articles describing correlations of high resolution axial, coronal
and sagittal MR images with cryomicrotomic sections.  Important
progress has been made toward the second objective:  to study the
CT and MR appearance of normal developmental and degenerative
changes within the spine.  The most noteworthy and original
observations, on the internal structure of the intervertebral disc
visualized with MR, have been reported in a series of papers.
These studies have suggested that normal disc degeneration is
characterized by gradual increase in collagen in the nucleus and
anulus and that degeneration is characterized by a radial tear of
the anulus fibrosus, which leads to disc bulging, disc space
collapse, or nucleus pulposus herniation.  These findings need more
study. The third objective, to study changes in spine anatomic
relationships as the spine is flexed, extended or loaded, has
produced observations in changes in neural foramina, discs, spinal
canal as the spine is subjected to various loads.  This work will
be continued to identify the characteristics of motion segments
(intervertebral discs) in which axial loading produces the greatest
change in disc or foramen dimension, or produces more compression.
Support is requested to continue work that improves the diagnostic
value of CT and MR and to study the provocative findings of the
first grant period.  The new focus of the project is acute
degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc including the
radial tear of the anulus, herniation of the nucleus pulposus.
Cadavers in the 1-49 year age group will be studied.  The
techniques of cryomicrotomy and MR will also be applied to acute
intervertebral disc degeneration, which has been modelled in dogs,
by means of a nucleotome.  More precise interpretation of CT and
MR studies, improved radiographic detection of nerve compression,
and betters election of patients for conventional and innovative
treatments can be anticipated.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3156617
- **Project number:** 2R01AR033667-04
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- **SAM.gov UEI:** E8VWJXMMUQ67
- **Principal Investigator:** VICTOR M HAUGHTON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $158,173
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1986-04-01 → 1991-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3156617

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3156617, A CT, MR AND CRYOMICROTOMIC STUDY OF SPINE ANATOMY (2R01AR033667-04). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3156617. Licensed CC0.

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