The Lack of Benefit of MRI for Acute LBP

The Lack of Benefit of MRI for Acute LBP

Every clinician is aware of the potential value of MRI over plain radiographs, as an MRI is incredibly more informative. But the question is, if cost or availability were not issues, given the choice, which one is better for patients with acute LBP?
Here is a fascinating RCT that aimed to answer this exact question (Jarvik et al 2003). Patients with LBP otherwise referred for lumbar radiographs were randomized to either plain x-ray or rapid MRI. Before you read the results, please sit down as it may shock you! Well here it goes�?�

Posted on: August 12, 2005

Categories: Lumbar Spine