OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify the meniscoids of the cervical spine using in-vivo MRI imaging and to determine their potential role in the development of functional joint blocks of the axial system (AS). Another objective was to find out how the articular blocks affect the rheological properties of the spine by the Transfer Vibration through the Spine (TVS) method. METHOD: In this study were used methods TVS and MRI. The study was conducted on a research file of 12 subjects and was conceived as a pilot one. RESULTS: It has been shown that the MRI method, in appropriate circumstances, enables the detection of changes in the size and shape of meniscoids in-vivo. On the basis of the investigations carried out, it can be assumed that several mechanisms are involved in the formation of functional joint blocks, and are not primarily caused by the incarceration of meniscoidal tissue. Using the TVS method, it has also been found that a functional articular blockade affects the rheological properties of the axial system, specifically reducing the damping capabilities of the particular spine segment. CONCLUSION: In the follow-up studies, it will be necessary to verify the theoretical interpretations on a larger statistical set.

Department of Anatomy and Biomechanics Charles University Prague Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Prague Czech Republic

Department of Radiology Na Homolce Hospital Prague Czech Republic