Abstract

Degenerative disc disease is an irreversible process that leads to a loss of mechanical integrity and back pain in millions of people. In this report, (23)Na double-quantum-filtered (DQF) NMR spectroscopy is used to study disc tissues in two stages of degeneration. Initial results indicate that the (23)Na DQF signal may be useful for determining the degree of degeneration. The spectral analysis reveals the presence of sodium environments with different residual quadrupolar couplings and T(2) relaxation times that we attribute to different regions, or compartments, corresponding to different biochemical regions in the tissue. In general it is found that there are compartments with no residual quadrupolar couplings, compartments with moderate couplings (200 to 1000 Hz), and compartments with couplings ranging from 1500 to 3000 Hz. The results indicate that (23)Na DQF NMR spectroscopy provides a probe of the degenerative state of the intervertebral disc tissues, and might hold potential as a novel diagnostic method for detection of disc degeneration.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.