Quantitative DTI Assessment in Human Lumbar Stabilization Muscles at 3 T

OBJECTIVES: To characterize diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tensor eigenvalues (λ1, λ2, λ3), fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and radial diffusivity in healthy lumbar musculature. METHODS: Seventeen healthy subjects (10 men, 7 women; mean age, 28 ± 7 years) were scanned using a 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging. Axial DTI was performed using 15 diffusion directions (b = 400 mm/s) at the L4 level. Oswestry Low Back Pain and Godin Physical …