Indications

The necessity to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine (lumbar spine) can have various reasons. Often the MRI examination is not the first choice, as it takes much longer than a computed tomography (CT) and is associated with a considerably higher energy and cost expenditure. The advantages of an MRI, however, are the better imaging of soft tissue and vessels.

In the area of the lumbar spine, this means that MRI images show the intervertebral discs, spinal cord and blood vessels very well and in great detail, thus enabling good diagnostics. In addition, an MRI examination is preferable for young patients and especially for pregnant women, as there is no radiation exposure as with X-rays or CT. Since an MRI examination produces sectional images of the examined area, the radiologist is able to assess all areas and levels of the lumbar spine.

An MRI is indicated for the diagnosis of congenital malformations in the lumbar spine and in cases of suspected bony changes due to an accident. This allows the extent of the injury or malformation to be assessed and any effects on the spinal cord to be identified. Often, however, the MRI is a follow-up examination that follows the X-ray or CT. MRI is indicated for chronic back pain in the lumbar spine.

The intervertebral discs are well visualized and a possible herniated or bulging disc can be detected there. In contrast to CT, MRI has the advantage that the affected spinal cord segments can often be better identified. MRI is also suitable for detecting or ruling out tumors or inflammation in the spinal region.

Here it is often necessary to perform the examination with a contrast medium. Lumbar MRI is also used to assess the success of surgery and to monitor the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). An MRI is also often performed for vertebral fractures to determine whether the fracture has affected the spinal cord or blood vessels or whether there has been bleeding in addition to the fracture. In the case of an abdominal piercing, the performance of an MRI of the lumbar spine is limited.