In which case is an MRI of the lumbar spine indicated?-P2

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by BSCKI Nguyen Viet Anh and MSc Tong Diu Huong - Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Through MRI images of the lumbar spine, it is possible to see whether or not the spinal canal narrows in the anterior and posterior direction, whether the spine degenerates to form bone spurs of the vertebral body...

1. What to prepare before taking an MRI

The magnetic resonance machine is a block of magnets with a very strong magnetic field, the patient must be in a closed room, with high magnetic fields, radio waves and a lot of noise during the scan but without causing long-term harm to the body.
Implanted objects, vehicles and instruments containing metal compounds on and in the patient's body may be damaged, affecting the patient, surrounding people or causing damage to the machinery system . Therefore, passengers are absolutely not allowed to enter the MRI room without a guide. If there are any questions, the patient should discuss with the technician before entering the MRI room.
Before taking an MRI, the technician will ask you to do a checklist to ensure safety. You need to inform the doctor/technologist in the MRI room in advance if you are carrying objects, vehicles, or have electronic/medical devices in your body, including:

Cochlear implant machine, nerve impulse generator. Sternum implant, bone growth stimulator. Metallic foreign body in eyeball, history of trauma, eye surgery. Clips clamp brain aneurysms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease implantable device. Insulin pump. Types of artificial heart valves , coronary stents . Pacemaker, defibrillator. Various types of screws, metal plates or surgical clamps. Prosthetic limbs or metal prosthetic joints. Skin tattoos; piercings, metal rings on the body. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should also tell your doctor. Because the effects of MRI on the fetus are unknown, women who are pregnant during the first trimester should not undergo MRI unless the potential benefit from MRI outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. pregnant.

2. Factors obtained from MRI image results of lumbar spine

MRI scan of the lumbar spine will give patients accurate results about the condition of the spine, spinal cord and detect pathologies.
Evaluation of nerve roots or spinal cord compression disease due to disc herniation, spondylolisthesis. Evaluation of anatomical abnormalities or congenital pathology involving the spine. Diagnosis of pathology inside the spinal canal. Diagnosis of spinal diseases: myelitis, myeloma, metastasis... Diagnose some other problems such as early-stage spinal metastases, spinal tumors.

3. What to do after having an MRI image of the lumbar spine?

MRI images of the lumbar spine after being taken will be read and evaluated by well-trained radiologists and imaging specialists. The results will be transferred to a specialist doctor who appoints: spine, orthopedic trauma, oncology... The specialist will be the one to decide on abnormalities and the next treatment direction for the patient. MRI results will not be available immediately after the scan but must wait 30-45 minutes later depending on the difficulty and abnormalities of the scanner. If it is a difficult case, it may be necessary to consult to make the most accurate conclusion about the patient's condition. To get the most accurate diagnosis, patients should have MRI scans at reputable medical facilities. Vinmec International General Hospital put into use the 3.0 Tesla Silent technology magnetic resonance imaging machine. Magnetic resonance imaging machine 3.0 Tesla with Silent technology of GE Healthcare (USA).
Silent technology is especially beneficial for patients who are children, the elderly, weak health patients and patients undergoing surgery. Limiting noise, creating comfort and reducing stress for customers during the shooting process, helping to capture better quality images and shorten the shooting time. Magnetic resonance imaging technology is the technology applied in the most popular and safest imaging method today because of its accuracy, non-invasiveness and non-X-ray use. Customers can go directly to the system. Medical system of Vinmec International Hospital nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.

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Does Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have any effect? The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of spinal and lumbar diseases Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of spinal hernia