MRI Mastery Series: Degenerative Joint Disease 2020

Overview

The MRI Mastery Series: Degenerative Joint Disease 2020 provides an in-depth exploration of degenerative joint disease (DJD) through the expert perspective of a practicing neuroradiologist. This carefully structured course covers the essential MRI findings, current nomenclature for disc pathology, and surgical implications of various disc injuries. With more than a dozen case reviews, the series equips radiologists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to confidently interpret MRI studies related to DJD. Experience world-class medical learning — accessible anytime, anywhere — as you deepen your understanding and clinical acumen in this critical area of musculoskeletal imaging.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply current nomenclature to accurately describe disc pathology in MRI reports.
• Delineate common sites and types of disc herniation with radiological evidence.
• Differentiate between disc bulge, herniation, protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration.
• Interpret relevant MRI pulse sequences and their roles in evaluating the lumbar spine.
• Understand the clinical and surgical implications of various degrees of disc injury.
• Report lumbar spine degenerative changes clearly and concisely.
• Recognize ancillary findings such as Modic changes, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, synovial cysts, and ligament ossification.
• Integrate MRI findings into differential diagnosis and patient care for degenerative joint disease.

Topics

• Degenerative Diseases of Spine
• MRI Pulse Sequences – Summary
• Anatomy of the Lumbar Disk
• Pulse Sequences For Lumbar Spine Imaging
• Disc Herniation vs Disc Bulge
• Disc Herniation vs Disc Extrusion
• Sequestrated Disk
• Lumbar Spine Degenerative Changes Report
• Lumbar Spine Degenerative Disc Disease
• Disc Herniation
• How to Report Spine Degenerative Changes?
• Disc Protrusion
• Disc Extrusion
• L2-3 Foraminal Disc Herniation
• Cervical Disc Extrusion
• Annular Fissure – Summary
• Contained or Uncontained Disc Herniation
• Zones of Herniation
• Degenerative Marrow Changes: Modic Changes
• Modic Type I End-Plate Changes
• Annular Fissure
• Modic Type II End-Plate Changes
• Scar vs. Disc Herniation – Summary
• Spinal Stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis, Foraminal Stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Synovial Cyst
• Synovial Cyst – Posteriorly Projecting
• Acquired Stenosis
• Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL) – Summary
• Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum (OLF)
• Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL)
• OPLL and Ligamentum Flavum Calcification
• Uncovertebral Joints or Luschka’s Joints – Summary
• Uncovertebral Joints or Luschka’s Joints Degenerative Change
• Other Causes of Stenosis & Lower Back Pain – Summary

Target Audience

This course is designed for healthcare professionals seeking expertise in MRI evaluation of degenerative joint disease, including:

• Radiologists
• Neuroradiologists
• Orthopedic surgeons
• Neurologists
• Physiatrists
• Medical trainees and residents
• Other professionals involved in musculoskeletal and spine care

Speaker

Dr. Dave Yousem

Dr. Dave Yousem is a practicing neuroradiologist sharing his expert perspective on the complexities of degenerative joint disease. Drawing upon extensive experience in advanced MRI interpretation, Dr. Yousem employs case-based learning and up-to-date clinical insights to help learners master DJD imaging and reporting.

Educational content only. Not medical advice.