MRI · Spine
MRI — Lumbar spine
Indication
Low back pain with radiculopathy, suspected disc herniation, canal/foraminal stenosis, spondylolisthesis.
Contrast
Add gadolinium for suspected infection, tumour, or postoperative (recurrent disc vs scar) imaging.
Sequences & planes
| Seq. | Plane | |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | Sagittal | |
| T2 | Sagittal | |
| STIR / T2 FS | Sagittal | marrow oedema |
| T2 | Axial | through discs |
| T1 ± FS post-Gd | Sag + Ax | if indicated |
Planning notes
- Axials angled through each lower lumbar disc space (L3–S1).
- STIR/fat-saturated sequence to detect marrow oedema and inflammatory change.
References
Educational reference only — verify against current guidelines and adapt to your institution and equipment. Not medical advice.