MRI LUMBAR SPINE

Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine Without Contrast MRI Overview

MRI of the lumbar spine also known as lumbosacral spine MRI is defined as a penetrative, painless imaging test that generates detailed activation of pulsed magnetic fields within the lower back tissues using radio frequency. This is important to note, especially in the Lateral or A-P view of the imaging. The MRI assessment is particularly valuable for evaluation of the vertebrae, spinal canal, disks and surrounding structures. It does so without the requirement of radiation exposure or intravenous contrast agents. Due to its importance, the MRI lumbar/lumbosacral spine is regularly employed in individuals where accurate and detailed imaging of soft tissues is needed in diagnosis of a wide range of diseases. 

Developmental factors such as age and general health of the patient do not significantly influence the outcomes of an MRI; however all patients must have metal removed. This is usually not an issue because the professor and staff are meticulous in removing unnecessary metals. Nevertheless, it is important to highlight the value of this particular camera for the diagnosis of disorders of the lumbar spine, among others. 

What is MRI of the Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine?

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the lumbar spine or the lumbosacral region is done by imaging the lower portion of the spine with the help of magnetic fields and radio waves. MRI or Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the non-ionizing imaging procedures, in contrast with CT or x-ray examinations, where the exposure to natural or manmade radiation is present. MRI imaging is done with the patient positioned in a tube type instrument which has various scanners which work together to capture or take slices to build the whole scanned sight within a computer. 

The lumbar spine is made of the five vertebral segments between the rib cage and the pelvic cavity while the lumbosacral region consists of the lower lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum which is a triangular shaped bone located at the end of the vertebral column. The MRI scan of this area provides the best possible images of the entire structure including the bones, disks, entire spinal canal, peripheral nerves and their connective tissues. 

Types of MRI Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine 

The MRI of the lumbar/lumbosacral region is mostly carried out without the use of contrast. Nevertheless, there are occasions where a contrast MRI is considered. Some of the variations include: 

• Standard MRI without contrast: This is performed most often and fairly facilitates the visualization of lumbar spine structures. 
• Functional MRI (fMRI): Focusing on the working parts of the brain, it has very limited use in the field of spinal evaluation but may help in linking spinal related issues and neurological symptoms. 
• Contrast-enhanced MRI (less common for lumbar specifically): Gadolinium is pushed in via intravenous access to see more clearly the presence of infection or tumor but is always used judiciously because very few patients can develop an allergic reaction to the dye. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine MRI

In the case of an MRI lumbar/lumbosacral spine, several parameters must be addressed by medical professionals: 

• Spinal parameters: In this case evaluating the presence of scoliosis or any other misalignment. 
• Disk condition: There may be herniations, bulging, and any degenerative changes that need to be noted. 
• Nerve root morphology: looking for any compression or any displacement. 
• Bone marrow signal: Where the intensity has altered it points towards some underlying pathology. 
• Muscle pathology: Reviewing with respect to the inflammation and tumoral signs. 

Interpretation may require age related changes or changes due to underlying diseases to be applied. 

Reasons for Taking an MRI of the Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine

The following reasons and conditions will justify the recommendation of lumbar/lumbosacral MRI spine: 

• Chronic lower back pain which is not responsive to any form of treatment. 
• Leg weakness or numbness: This may suggest the possibility of nerve root compression. 
• Possible neoplastic growths in the spine: This will assist in further examining for possible malignant lesions. 
• Possible infection: Osteomyelitis or discitis may also be present. 
• Presence of degenerative disease of the spine: This includes evaluation of status of spinal stenosis, spondylitis etc. 
• Radiological Evaluation before or after a surgical procedure: For surgical planning or evaluation of surgery outcome. 

When and who should go for Lumbosacral or lumbar spine MRI? 

Doctors may suggest an MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the lumbar/lumbosacral or lower spine regions because of the following reasons which include the following: 

• Recurrence of back pain symptoms: Often aggravated in severity or there is a high level of persistence for the pain that doesn’t go away even after treatment measures are taken. 
• Signs of radiculopathy: Symptoms including leg pain, leg weakness, and even tingling sensations which could indicate nerve root compression. 
• Reasons to suspect existence of conditions affecting the spine: Spine herniated disks, spinal stenosis, and even tumors. 
• To assess the spine before surgical intervention: This is to avoid any damage that may arise from not being able to view the entire structure of the spine beforehand. 
• History of injury: Which may have involved the spine. 
• Manage chronic disease: Such as multiple sclerosis (MS). 
• There may be certain populations such as the elderly, athletes, or individuals with a history of trauma to the spine that will require this procedure more often. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

MRI lumbar/lumbosacral spine has relevance in many scenarios: 

• It is non-invasive: It does not involve cutting open the body and has no radiation exposure. 
• Higher resolution images: Primary physicians can use the increased resolution of soft tissues and nerve structures to reach a more accurate diagnosis. 
• Integrated assessment of bony and soft tissues components of the vertebrae: Multiple aspects of one area of the spine can be looking into one time so that structural abnormalities do not get overlooked. 
• There are no side effects with repeated use: It can be useful to monitor a patient with an ever-present risk factor as there is no additive radiation risk. 

Diseases Diagnosed with Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine MRI

The common pathological conditions in MRI of the lumbar/lumbosacral spine include: 

• Herniated disks 
• Spinal stenosis 
• Degenerative disk disease 
• Spinal tumors 
• Osteomyelitis-or-discit-like infections 
• Hypoplasias of the spine 

Preparing for Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine MRI

In preparation for Magnetic resonance imaging, patients are advised to: 

• Take off all metallic objects: Such as rings, necklaces, and wristwatches. 
• Advise the attending physician of metal objects inside the body: For instance, hip replacements or bolts. 
• Refrain from putting on some wear: Check with the doctor for what to wear that does not contain metals. 
• Inform the staff about pregnancy: Though it is not advised, MRI is commonly avoided in the first 3 months of gestation. 

Pre-requisites 

The following circumstances should be stated prior to the scan: 

• Presence of other implants or pacemakers: They should be reported for the MRI’s safety measures. 
• Place of confinement: Tell the technologists and consider alternatives like open type MRI’s or even sedation. 
• Kidney problems: Particularly so when the use of contrast is likely. 

Best Time to Take the MRI Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spin 

Any time that fits the schedule is appropriate for an MRI to be undertaken. Safety precautions and non-metal measures should however be observed prior to the examination. 

Eligibility 

Anyone having back pain or related issues can be eligible for this test except: 

• Patients with certain kinds of implants: These include specific types of pacemakers or metallic clips. 
• Patients who are extremely claustrophobic: Needs prior evaluation before an MRI is done. 

Procedure for Taking MRI of the Lumbar or Lumbosacral Spine 

An MRI scan can be divided into the steps mentioned below: 

1. Pre-preparation: Remove metal and assess emotions like claustrophobia. 
2. Clearing away the area: Drape gown devoid of any metal, as well as any other effects. 
3. Arranging the body: Placing oneself horizontally on the MRI table. 
4. Taking the image: The table moves inside the MRI gantry. The person must not move. 
5. Final Stage: The scan ceases and the results are given to the examining physician. 

The process is rather speedy and takes a maximum of around 60 minutes to complete although in most cases, it takes about thirty minutes. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients should provide doctors with some basic information such as past medical issues, implants if any, possible pregnancies, etc. for safety reasons.