Indications, preparation and significance of MRI abnormalities of the lumbar-sacral spine

Modern medicine is constantly being improved, and MRI of the lumbosacral spine to diagnose the clinical condition, which it was impossible to detect 10 years ago. This type of research has a number of advantages that distinguish it from ultrasound and x-rays.

what is examined lumbar-sacral spine? What are the characteristics of the procedure? In some cases, prescribe an MRI of the lumbar spine? Are there any contraindications? Answers to current questions can be found below.

Brief introduction

New methods of diagnostics allows to establish the diagnosis. TOOOhis greatly reduces the time that a doctor spends per patient. In the future, the specialist can minimize the waiting time and assign complex treatment.

In the case of diagnosing problems with musculoskeletal system and nervous system it is necessary to conduct MRI of the lumbosacral spine. Presented research method is used to visualize the major structural and functional changes that may develop in various organs and parts of the patient's body, including the vertebrae.

MRI of the lumbar spine relates to non-invasive manipulations. It does not affect the human body any negative effects. It is not subjected to ionizing radiation, which can be transported by some patients is not always easy. Further the study does not require the introduction of additional drugs. The clinical picture is determined immediately.

Distinctive features

The Role of lumbar MRI is difficult to overestimate, as it allows you to explore not only vertebrates but also related items. After the introduction of this method of diagnosis has significantly increased the efficiency and information value of the data.

The series of pictures the doctor can see cross-sectional images of all the investigated elements: the vertebrae, ligaments, muscles, spinal cord and outgoing nerve roots, as well as the current condition of the blood vessels that can be affected by a number of destructive processes.

Imaging takes a short time and can last from 40 to 60 min. None of existing methods can not be compared with the type of diagnosis. It does not require the patient to no effort, except for some informative messages to the doctor before the procedure.

Magnetic resonance imaging should be performed only after a preliminary survey. This will reduce the number of potential contraindications. During imaging a patient is on a convenient horizontal surface. The only condition is compliance with the stillness in the area that is being investigated.

contrast

MRI of the lumbar-sacral spine requires two projections:

• sagittal
• cross.

The Study takes place at the level of the affected area. The optimum thickness of the slice may vary from 3 to 4 mm, with gaps between them should not be.

Imaging of the Sacro-lumbar performed in lateral projection. It is T-2 weighted type with a minimum thickness of the slice. The inclined angle must be established by a physician and be directed relatively parallel position of the intervertebral disc.

the Need to use a contrasting liquid is only justified when the individual elements cannot be displayed because of the diagnosed neoplasms or lack of information.

The results of the process can reveal the presence of hernias and protrusions of intervertebral disc is avascular entities, which is detected after the MRI with the prior administration of a contrast substance. Fat suppression is necessary only in the event of differential diagnosis of magnetic resonance imaging, when the structures were identified metastases or osteomyelitis.

Indications for research

MRI must be done in order to more closely examine the current state of the patient:

1. changes in the circulatory system. Separate vessels can not fully cope with current loads, and begins to occur restructuring at the level of capillaries, veins and even arteries.
2. Pathological defects in the structure of the spine. For example, the splitting of individual elements is observed in the case of diagnosingSpins Bifida.
3. degenerative disc disease, which can develop at all stages of the disease.
4. Acquired effects that could arise from splicing of a vertebra with the sacrum.
5. Spinal disc herniation and protrusion – negative status, which will show the amount and direction of displacement of the protrusions.
6. Globalizacija – Department of the last vertebra of the sacrum.
7. Effects of trauma of the spine, which were diagnosed at early stages of development.
8. Neoplasms both benign and malignant nature. The increasing presence of metastasis.
9. spinal Stenosis.
10. Flowing inflammatory processes that can cause changes in the brain and spinal cord and their surrounding membranes.

Tomography shows current developments and provides an opportunity for patient choice of subsequent therapy. The list is limited and consists of:

• myelography
• lumbar puncture
• angiography.

The Above methods are invasive. They can deliver significant discomfort to the patient, because so important the preparation for an MRI.

Training and behaviour rules of the patient

Preparing for your MRI scan should be extremely simple and intuitive. First, the patient lies down on a convenient horizontal surface, which moves freely inside the machine. The movement will occur as long as man is not fully will be in the center of the device.

Modern CT scanners is quite compact. Much of the body of the study will be outside the influence of the magnetic field. If, in the lumbar region, was appointed as additional diagnostics of the head, then the patient can issue a special machine that will fix it.

Throughout the study period the need to observe quiet breathing. Head and body should be relaxed and immobile, as it can change the clarity of the resulting images.

The Machine makes some unpleasant noises, but they should not be afraid. Before the patient give vacuum headphones that block external sounds. If the state for some reason began to deteriorate, it is possible to inform the doctor. On design has a built in microphone that will allow you to send messages. If the patient did not ignore preparing for an MRI, then everything should go quickly.

Before the procedure the patient may eat and drink. If he diagnosed a panic attack if a long stay in a confined space, it is best to say so immediately. There are a number of medicinal drugs, to help you get rid of this fear. Before you start you will need to remove all the items that can cause damage under the influence of magnetic radiation.

To Find out where to do an MRI, it is not difficult. These machines have long been equipped with almost all the hospitals.

Literature:

1. Filein O. V. The course of General computed tomography / Samara scientific center of RAS. – Samara, 2012. – 407 S. – ISBN 978-5-93424-580-2.