T/sub 2/-relaxation time measurement of magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of nucleus pulposus degeneration

The aim of this study is to ascertain the degenerative/regenerative change at the intervertebral disc (IVD) of the cervical spine of pig by measuring T2-relaxation time using magnetic resonance image. The IVD is divided into three groups: intact, defect, and treated group. T2-relaxation times of the intact disc are estimated in NP, AF and defected nanofiber discs, respectively. In this study, we find that T2 curve and T2 map technique provides an advantage to evaluate disc regeneration.