Table 3

Qualitative scoring method used for classifying image artifact.

IVisualizedNo distinguishable artifact in either sagittal or axial images of the spinal canal or bilateral neural foramina.
IIPartially DistortedDistortion of either neural foramina or the spinal canal that allows partial visualization of the neural structures.
IIIFully DistortedInability to visualize the neural structures in bilateral neural foramina and the canal.