![]() ![]() Some instances where a contrast-enhanced spine MRI may be helpful include: Depending on the clinical question and any suspected or known medical conditions, your doctors will decide whether to use contrast in a spine MRI. Spine MRI With or Without ContrastĬontrast agents help enhance the visibility of specific tissues and structures. It may also be used over MRI in emergent settings due to quicker exam time. A CT of the spine is superior in its ability to visualize bone and calcium, making it particularly useful for assessing fractures, bony abnormalities, or bony alignment. It is also the preferred modality to look for subtle bone marrow edema. A spine MRI is preferred when studying soft tissues, such as the spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, and discs, due to its superiority in differentiating between normal and abnormal soft tissue. The level of radiation exposure in a CT scan is generally higher than in a standard X-ray but still within acceptable limits.Įach modality has its strengths and limitations. CT scans involve exposure to X-rays, which carry a small risk of radiation exposure. It generates images using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. Unlike computed tomography (CT), MRI does not use ionizing radiation. This evaluation is typically required when there is a suspicion of widespread spinal issues or when a condition affecting multiple areas of the spine is suspected. In some cases, your doctor may request a whole spine MRI that includes all three studies. A lumbar spine MRI is commonly used to assess conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and other problems that may affect the lower back and legs. The lumbar spine is the lower portion of the spine, consisting of five vertebrae (L1-L5) that span the lower back. A thoracic spine MRI is primarily used to evaluate issues like spinal deformities, tumors, spinal cord compression, and other conditions that may affect the chest area. It consists of twelve vertebrae (T1-T12). The thoracic spine is the middle portion corresponding to the chest region, extending from the base of the neck to the lower back. A cervical spine MRI is commonly used to assess conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, nerve impingement, fractures, tumors, and other abnormalities that may affect the neck and upper limbs. The cervical spine comprises the seven vertebrae (C1-C7) in the neck area. Your doctor will choose the appropriate type of MRI based on your symptoms, medical history, and suspected spinal condition. Imaging of the spine splits the vertebrae into three regions: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Seeking medical attention for any persistent back pain or spinal issues can help initiate the healing process and reduce the risk of developing more a serious medical condition.Ī spine MRI provides a non-invasive and highly accurate way for your doctors to visualize the spine’s structures and evaluate for any abnormalities. Many factors can influence the likelihood of experiencing spinal problems, including injury, genetics, congenital conditions, infection, autoimmune disorders, tumors, and lifestyle habits. It protects the spinal cord, facilitates movement, and connects the different parts of our musculoskeletal system. Omitting cervical X-rays speeds up patient evaluation, protects the department staff from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation and mitigates treatment costs, while maintaining the quality of the healthcare provided.Our spine plays a fundamental role in supporting our body. We conclude that pain and/or tenderness in the neck area are valid criteria with regard to the timely diagnosis of cervical spine injuries, and that routine cervical spine X-rays may be unnecessary for those blunt trauma patients who are conscious, fully orientated, co-operative, non-intoxicated, exhibit no neurological deficits and who do not have neck pain or tenderness. On the other hand, none of the patients without neck pain and tenderness were found to have cervical spine injury. Of those patients sustaining cervical spine injuries, examination of three (23%) disclosed abnormal neurological findings. Thirteen (5%) patients who complained of neck pain or had neck tenderness on initial examination were found to harbour cervical spine injuries. Among the 303 blunt trauma patients seen at our emergency department between January and December 1993, a total of 267 patients had well-written charts and met our inclusion criteria. The study comprised those patients who were conscious, fully orientated, co-operative and non-intoxicated. In this retrospective study, we evaluated whether cervical spine X-rays are indeed necessary in all such patients. Advanced trauma life support guidelines recommend that three-view cervical spine X-rays should be obtained routinely in all blunt trauma patients. Traumatic cervical spine injuries can result in severe disability or death unless promptly diagnosed and treated. ![]()
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