MRT of the thoracic spine | MRT – How far do I have to go with my head?

MRT of the thoracic spine

To examine the thoracic spine (BWS), the patient is placed in the MRI tube in approximately the same way as for imaging the heart and lungs. The patient is pushed head first into the tube. During the examination, the patient is positioned approximately at the edge of the tube, which is open on both sides.

Depending on the device, the patient can partially look out of the tube. As with all other MRI examinations, a sedative can be administered before imaging. During the examination, the patient is also given a button in his or her hand with which he or she can stop the examination at any time if he or she feels unwell.

MRI of the abdomen

When examining the abdomen in the MRI, the patient is also pushed head first into the tube. However, the head is often already outside the tube, which is open on both sides. However, the position of the head can differ significantly depending on the device. Especially with the newer shorter MRI tubes, the patient can look out of the tube during the examination. This makes it easier to examine the abdomen of patients with known claustrophobia.

MRT of the lumbar spine

The position of the head in MRI imaging of the lumbar spine (lumbar spine) is comparable to that used in the examination of the abdomen or the pelvis or hip. The head is located approximately at the edge of the tube open on both sides. Especially with the smaller MRI devices developed in recent years, the patient can often look out of the tube during the examination. Nevertheless, the patient can be given a sedative by the treating physician before the imaging.

MRT of pelvis and hip

During the MRI examination of the pelvis or hip, the patient is also pushed head first into the MRI tube which is open on both sides. The position of the head is comparable to the position of the lumbar spine or abdomen. The head is located outside the tube, especially during examination in newer MRI machines. However, in cases of known claustrophobia, the administration of a sedative (Dormicum) is still possible.