MRI DORSAL / DORSO-LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST
Also Known As
Lab Test
₹7800
1K+ people booked this test
🎖️
SENIOR
FLAT 10% OFF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
👪
FAMILY
ADD A FAMILY MEMBER FOR 20% DISCOUNT
Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
60
Mins Home Collection
1M
Happy Customers
4.9
Google Rating
5
Certified Labs
About The Test
What the Scan Covers (D5–L2 Region)
- Dorsal (thoracic) spine: T5–T12 vertebrae that anchor the rib cage
- Dorso-lumbar junction: T12–L2 transition zone where the spine curves into the lower back
- Surrounding soft tissues: Spinal cord, nerve roots, intervertebral discs, ligaments, and blood vessels
List of Parameters
- Vertebral alignment & curvature (kyphosis, scoliosis)
- Intervertebral disc height & hydration (dark on T1, bright on T2)
- Spinal canal diameter (normal ≥12 mm)
- Facet joints for arthritis or hypertrophy
- Ligamentum flavum thickness (can cause canal narrowing)
- Nerve root impingement or swelling
Why This Test
- Diagnose disc degeneration & herniation causing back or leg pain
- Rule out spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal)
- Detect vertebral fractures from osteoporosis or trauma
- Identify congenital anomalies like spina bifida occulta
- Plan minimally invasive spine procedures or physiotherapy
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Zero radiation—safe for repeated follow-ups
- High-resolution soft-tissue contrast—superior to CT for discs & nerves
- Faster scan time—20–30 minutes vs. 45–60 minutes for contrast studies
- Lower cost—no need for IV contrast or post-procedure monitoring
- Same-day reporting—available within 2–4 hours at Cadabams Diagnostics
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Dorsal/Dorso-Lumbar Spine without Contrast
| Condition | How MRI Helps |
|---|---|
| Herniated discs | Shows protrusion compressing nerve roots |
| Degenerative disc disease | Reveals loss of disc height & hydration |
| Spinal canal stenosis | Measures canal diameter & ligament thickening |
| Spondylolisthesis | Detects vertebral slippage |
| Compression fractures | Identifies marrow edema & vertebral collapse |
Preparing for test
Pre-Requisites
- Remove all metal objects—jewelry, belts, hairpins
- Fasting not required—eat and drink normally
- Clothing: Change into cotton gown; avoid garments with metal zippers
Best Time
- Any time of day; avoid caffeine if you’re anxious
- Early morning slots reduce waiting time at Cadabams Diagnostics
Eligibility
- Most adults & seniors—check implant compatibility beforehand
- Pediatric cases—sedation available for children under 6
Procedure
- Check-in & screening (5 min)
- Lie supine on MRI table with cushion under knees
- Coil placement over mid-lower back
- 20–30 min scan—remain still; earplugs provided
- Post-scan review—technologist verifies image quality
Caution
- Inform tech about tattoos (some inks contain metal)
- Pregnancy: Notify staff if you’re or might be pregnant
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal disc hydration | Bright T2 signal | No degeneration |
| Disc bulge | Broad-based protrusion | May contact nerve roots |
| Disc herniation | Focal extrusion | Likely cause of sciatica |
| Spinal stenosis | Canal <10 mm | Explains claudication |
| Compression fracture | Marrow edema on STIR | Needs orthopedic consult |
| No Abnormal Signal in Spinal Cord | The spinal cord shows normal size and signal intensity on all sequences, with no evidence of compression, demyelination, or intrinsic lesions. | Excludes conditions such as myelitis, cord edema, tumor, or syrinx. Suggests preserved spinal cord function at the evaluated levels. |
| Mild Facet Joint Arthropathy (Diffuse) | Degenerative changes in the facet joints, including joint space narrowing, sclerosis, and osteophyte formation. | Frequently age-related. May cause localized axial back pain, especially with extension or rotational movements of the spine. |
| Vertebral Body Hemangioma (e.g., T7) | A well-defined, benign vascular lesion within the vertebral body, typically hyperintense on T1 and T2-weighted images. | Typically an incidental, asymptomatic finding. Rarely causes symptoms unless large or associated with vertebral collapse or canal compromise. |
| Normal Paraspinal Soft Tissues | Adjacent soft tissues and paraspinal musculature show normal morphology and signal without evidence of mass, edema, or fluid collection. | No signs of infection, hematoma, tumor, or post-traumatic change in the surrounding musculature and soft tissues. |
Risks & Limitations
MRI Safety
- Pacemakers/ICDs: Most modern devices are MRI-conditional; inform Cadabams staff
- Metal implants: Joint replacements, screws, or cochlear implants need compatibility checks
- Claustrophobia: Open-bore MRI or mild sedation available on request
- Pregnancy: Generally safe after first trimester; consult your doctor
Limitations vs. Contrast-Enhanced Imaging
- Small tumors or active infections may be missed without contrast
- Inflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis are better seen with gadolinium
FAQs
How long does the scan take?
20–30 minutes for the standard protocol.
Is the test painful?
No. You’ll feel only the table moving; no needles or contrast.
When will I get my report?
Same day—usually within 2–4 hours.
Can I drive home afterwards?
Yes. No sedation is used for non-contrast studies.
What if I feel claustrophobic?
We offer open-bore MRI and mild oral sedation on request.
What is the approximate cost of an MRI Dorsal / Dorso-Lumbar Spine without contrast at Cadabams Diagnostics?
The dorso-lumbar spine mri no contrast price can vary based on specific requirements and location. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for an MRI DORSAL / DORSO-LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST at Cadabams Diagnostics. Our team will be happy to provide you with detailed cost information and discuss any insurance coverage you may have.