Results from the subjective and objective analyses comparing IMAR and wFBP
| Neuroradiologist Evaluation | wFBP (Median) | IMAR (Median) | Test | P Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subjective | ||||
| Overall soft-tissue visualization scorea | 1 ± 1.50 | 3 ± 1.27 | WSR | <.001 |
| Cervical (n = 21) | 2 ± 1.54 | 4 ± 1.06 | WSR | .001 |
| Thoracic (n = 8) | NAb | NAb | ||
| Lumbar (n = 39) | 1 ± 1.24 | 3 ± 1.15 | WSR | <.001 |
| Soft-tissue structure with worst artifacts, visualization scorea | 0 ± 1.34 | 3 ± 1.19 | WSR | <.001 |
| Cervical (n = 21) | 1 ± 1.53 | 3 ± 1.20 | WSR | .001 |
| Thoracic (n = 8) | NAb | NAb | ||
| Lumbar (n = 39) | 0 ± 1.18 | 2 ± 1.04 | WSR | <.001 |
| Bone (cortex) visualization score | 5 ± 0.49 | 5 ± 0.87 | WSR | .02 |
| Cervical (n = 21) | 5 ± 0.36 | 5 ± 0.30 | WSR | .16 |
| Thoracic (n = 8) | NAb | NAb | ||
| Lumbar (n = 39) | 5 ± 0.54 | 5 ± 0.16 | WSR | <.001 |
| Objective | ||||
| Vertebral body cortical obscuration (in degrees) | 7 ± 17 | 3 ± 12 | PTT | <.001 |
| Vertebral body cortical obscuration, when present (n = 15) (degrees) | 34 ± 22 | 13 ± 24 | PTT | <.001 |
| Length of flame artifacts (mm) | 29 ± 18 | 11 ± 7 | PTT | <.001 |
Note:—NA indicates not applicable; PTT, 2-tailed paired t test; WSR, Wilcoxon signed rank test.
a
Structures evaluated in the region of metal fixation hardware included the central canal, spinal cord, neural foramina, and prevertebral soft tissues.
b
A subgroup analysis of thoracic spine cases was not performed due to the few cases in this group.