The Protocol for an MRI of the Lumbar Plexus

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test used to determine fractures and tumors. Lumbar plexus MRIs are performed in cases where there is lower back pain, cauda equina syndrome, degenerative disc disease or bone metastasis.

Dimensions

• MRI uses several dimensions to accurately visualize disturbances in the lumbar plexus. Several planes are visualized including parallel and orthogonal views. The same protocol is used for sacroiliac joint and sacral plexus.

Bony Protocol

• Bony protocols are used in situations of injuries, soft tissue diseases and metastasis of cancers. The protocol allows for little movement around the patient since the possibility of fracture could worsen the situation.

Visceral Protocol

• Visceral protocol is used mainly on females in cases such as uterine or adnexal abnormalities. The perpendicular and parallel views are most important in cases of endometrial cancer. It important for physicians to differentiate between other female pathologies such as dermoid cysts, endometrioma cysts and adenomyosis.