Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the safest method for diagnosing pathologies of internal organs, due to the absence of radiation or radio wave exposure and a small number of contraindications. An examination of the lumbosacral spine (MRI PKOP) is performed to identify structural and functional disorders in the vertebrae, joints, sacrum, surrounding soft tissues, nerves and vessels of this area of the back.
Types of MRI of the lumbar spine
Tomography of the lumbar region can be performed in two ways:
- Standard MRI of the lumbar spine. The lumbar region is scanned to obtain a series of layered sections of images of flat and 3D reconstructions to detect structural abnormalities in trauma.
- With contrast enhancement. An MRI of the lower back is performed with intravenous contrast for a clearer visualization of blood vessels and an assessment of the quality of blood flow in tissues.
The method of diagnosis is determined by the attending therapist, traumatologist, neurologist, surgeon or other specialist who issued the referral for the study. The choice of method depends on the preliminary diagnosis, individual indications and contraindications, history and general condition of the patient.
When MRI of the lumbar spine is prescribed
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine is prescribed for:
- Frequent pains in the lumbar region, radiating to the leg or pelvic area.
- Weakening or loss of sensation and reflexes in the legs.
- Injuries to the spine.
- Disruption of the pelvic organs.
- Chronic or acute inflammation of the tissues of the lower back.
- Suspicion of oncology of the lumbar bone tissue.
- Prolonged muscle weakness in the legs.
- Syringomyelia or multiple sclerosis.
- Suspicion of a herniated disc.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis.
- Anomalies in the structure of the spine.
- Impaired circulation of the lower extremities.
Contrast-enhanced MRI is indicated to detect tumors or metastases. After the introduction of a special substance, the blood vessels are visualized in contrast with static tissue, resulting in clearer images of veins, arteries, and capillaries.
What does an MRI of the lumbar spine show
Lower back pain can be associated with an injury to the spine or pelvis, be the result of diseases of the back or internal organs.
A regular X-ray is not always enough for a doctor to make a diagnosis. If a specialist gave a referral for an MRI of the lumbar spine, what can this show? Diagnostics is carried out with the aim of:
- Find out the cause of back pain to determine treatment tactics.
- Identification of neoplasms in the area of the sacrum and adjacent tissues, assessment of their nature (benign or malignant).
- Determination of the presence of distant tumor metastases in the lumbar region.
- Identification of herniated discs and their sizes.
- Research on the area of nerve root damage.
MRI provides a 2-3 dimensional graphic image of the spine. Thanks to this, the doctor receives accurate information about:
- Structural disorders in the vertebrae, intervertebral joints.
- The presence and characteristics of protrusions, hernias, injuries of bone structures, ligaments and cartilage.
- Degrees of soft tissue damage.
- Locations of pinched nerves.
- Functional changes in blood vessels, spinal cord.
With the help of tomography, you can make an accurate primary diagnosis, as well as track the dynamics of the patient's condition after the treatment.
