Comparison of MRI grading for cervical neural foraminal stenosis based on axial and oblique sagittal images: Concordance and reliability study

The aim of this study was to assess the concordance between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading for cervical neural foraminal stenosis (CNFS) based on axial and oblique sagittal images and evaluate the reliability of each grading plane. CNFS was graded at C2-3 to C7-T1 levels based on axial and oblique sagittal images separately by three radiologists. The concordance between CNFS grading based on axial and oblique sagittal images was strong for all three observers (Kendall's W = 0.80, 0.79, and 0.82), despite the tendency of higher grading with oblique sagittal images. Both imaging planes supported strong interobserver reliability.