Lumbar Spine MRI

MRI of the lumbosacral spine covering L1-S1 discs, nerve roots, and cauda equina. The most frequently requested spinal examination for lower back pain and sciatica.

The lumbosacral spine MRI is typically the most frequently requested spinal study at imaging centres, addressing the region responsible for the majority of back pain presentations. The examination covers the lumbar vertebrae from L1 through the sacrum, evaluating intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligamentum flavum, spinal canal, neural foramina, and the cauda equina. The protocol includes sagittal T1, T2, and STIR sequences with axial T2-weighted images at each disc level. This combination reveals disc herniations, bulges, and extrusions; central and lateral canal stenosis; facet joint hypertrophy; Modic endplate changes; spondylolisthesis; and cauda equina compression. The STIR sequence detects bone marrow oedema from acute fractures, infection, or inflammatory spondyloarthropathy. As a single spine section, this examination can be combined with the thoracic or cervical segment in the two-section package at 13,800 CZK. Patients with bilateral leg symptoms or bladder disturbance should communicate these symptoms as the radiologist will specifically assess for cauda equina syndrome. Contrast enhancement is available when infection, inflammation, or post-surgical scarring is suspected.