MRI WHOLE SPINE
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
What the whole spine mri scan shows
- 23 vertebral bodies from skull base to tailbone
- Spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues
- Disc height, hydration, and alignment
- Tumours, infections, fractures, or inflammatory lesions
Why doctors order this test
- Unexplained back pain with neurological signs
- Monitoring disease progression (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
- Pre-surgery planning or post-surgery follow-up
Who benefits most
- Adults 18–80 years with chronic or acute spinal symptoms
- Patients with claustrophobia who prefer faster 3T scanners
- Athletes or accident victims needing trauma evaluation
List of Parameters
- Disc height & hydration
- Cord signal intensity (myelopathy indicator)
- Facet joint spaces (arthritis severity)
- Ligamentum flavum thickness
- Vertebral alignment and curvature
Why This Test
- Back pain with neurological signs
- Suspected spinal tumour or infection
- Trauma evaluation after accidents
- Unexplained fever with spine tenderness
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- High-resolution soft-tissue detail—see nerves as thin as 1 mm
- No ionising radiation—safe for repeated follow-ups
- Single-session full-spine imaging—saves time and cost
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Whole Spine
- Herniated discs (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
- Spinal stenosis (central or foraminal)
- Multiple sclerosis plaques in the cord
- Spinal infections (discitis, osteomyelitis)
- Vertebral fractures (traumatic or osteoporotic)
Preparing for test
Fasting & medication instructions
- No fasting needed for non-contrast scans
- 4-hour fast if contrast planned; take regular meds with sips of water
Clothing & metal removal checklist
- Wear cotton gown; remove jewellery, watches, hearing aids
- Leave credit cards & mobile outside (magnetic field can damage them)
Pre-requisites
- Doctor’s referral slip & medical history
- Creatinine report (within 30 days) if contrast planned
- List of current implants (cardiac stent, joint replacements)
Best Time to Take the MRI Whole Spine
- Morning slots for claustrophobic patients (less waiting)
- Avoid scheduling during acute pain flare-ups—movement degrades images
Eligibility
- Age: 5–85 years (paediatric sedation on request)
- Weight limit: 150 kg for 3T; 200 kg for 1.5T open-bore
- Pregnancy: deferred until after delivery unless urgent
Procedure for Taking a MRI Whole Spine
Step-by-step positioning
- Lie supine on the table, head-first.
- Coil placed around your spine for signal capture.
- Table slides into the magnet bore; keep still.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
- 3T scanners finish in ~30 min
- Add 10 min if contrast injection required
Noise-reduction headphones
- Listen to music or podcast—Cadabams provides wireless headsets
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Pacemaker & implant screening: fill safety questionnaire
- Contrast allergy protocols: antihistamines on standby
Test Results
Spine MRI Comprehensive Observations and Interpretation
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Disc height | 7–12 mm, uniform hydration | Collapse suggests degeneration |
| Cord signal | Homogeneous, T2 isointense | High signal = myelopathy |
| Facet joint space | 2–4 mm, smooth margins | Narrowing = arthritis |
| Bright disc centre | Disc desiccation | Conservative management |
| Cord hyperintensity | Demyelination, MS | Neurology referral |
| Vertebra dark band | Fracture oedema | Orthopaedic evaluation |
| Paraspinal Soft Tissues | Findings may include edema, mass, abscess, hematoma, muscle atrophy, or fatty infiltration. | Soft tissue changes may suggest infection, tumor spread, hemorrhage, or chronic muscular disuse—important in evaluating extraspinal pathology. |
| Contrast Enhancement (if performed) | Describes enhancement patterns like ring, diffuse, or leptomeningeal, in lesions or anatomical structures. | Enhancing lesions may reflect active inflammation, infection, neoplasm, or disruption of the blood–spinal cord barrier. Aids lesion characterization. |
Risks & Limitations
Contrast dye considerations
- Gadolinium is safe in 99% of cases; kidney function (creatinine) required
Claustrophobia & metal implants
- Open-bore 3T machines reduce anxiety
- Pacemakers, cochlear implants, and some aneurysm clips are contraindicated
False positives
- Degenerative changes may mimic spinal infection; clinical correlation essential
FAQs
How long does a whole spine MRI take?
30–45 minutes depending on scanner strength and contrast use.
Is the scan painful?
No. You feel nothing; only the injection site may sting briefly if contrast is used.
Can I eat before the test?
Yes for non-contrast; fast 4 hours if contrast is planned.
When will results be ready?
Within 24 hours; urgent cases reported same day.
How much does a full spine MRI cost?
The cost of full spine MRI can vary depending on several factors, including the specific facility, geographic location, whether contrast material is used, and your insurance coverage. Because it is a more extensive scan than an MRI of a single spinal segment, it generally costs more. For accurate pricing and information regarding insurance coverage for an MRI WHOLE SPINE at Cadabams Diagnostics, it's best to contact our billing department directly or speak with your insurance provider.
What are the next steps after an MRI Whole Spine?
After your MRI WHOLE SPINE, your referring doctor will review the radiologist's report and the images in conjunction with your clinical symptoms and medical history. Based on the findings, they will discuss with you:
The diagnosis or potential diagnoses.
Whether any further investigations are needed.
Treatment options, which could range from conservative measures like physical therapy and medication to more invasive procedures like injections or surgery, depending on the condition identified.
Any necessary follow-up appointments or referrals to specialists (e.g., neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, rheumatologist).