Lumbar Spine MRI

3T MRI of the lumbosacral spine covering L1-S1 discs, nerve roots, cauda equina, and facet joints. Common investigation for lower back pain and sciatica.

The lumbosacral spine MRI is UltraMR's most frequently requested spinal examination, addressing the region responsible for the majority of back pain and radiculopathy presentations. The 3T Siemens MAGNETOM SPECTRA produces detailed images of lumbar discs, facet joints, ligamentum flavum, spinal canal, and neural foramina from L1 through S1. The protocol includes sagittal T1, T2, and STIR sequences plus axial T2-weighted images at each disc level. This combination reveals disc herniations, bulges, and extrusions; spinal canal stenosis; facet joint hypertrophy; Modic endplate changes; spondylolisthesis; and cauda equina compression. The STIR sequence is particularly sensitive to bone marrow oedema, which may indicate acute fractures, infection, or inflammatory spondyloarthropathy. For patients with bilateral leg symptoms or bladder disturbance, the radiologist specifically evaluates for cauda equina syndrome — a surgical emergency. The report documents disc pathology at each level, grades any stenosis, and notes incidental findings in the lower thoracic spine and sacroiliac joints visible on sagittal images.