Abstract
Purposes of study and background
The study aim is to evaluate the efficacy of dynamic MRI scanning in identifying radiological causes of positional sciatica over a 5-year period.
Summary of methods used and the results
We describe the results of a prospective series of patients who completed open MRI scanning, indicated for lower back pain and positional sciatica. 40 open MRI scans were requested between March 2012 and March 2017. 31 patients were intolerant to conventional MRI Scanning due to either claustrophobia or the inability to lie flat. 9 patients were identified as having positional sciatica. All patients completed the Oswestry Disability Index as part of their clinical assessment. The MRI images and radiology report were reviewed to identify surgically relevant causes. Dynamic foraminal narrowing and a progressive disc protrusion were identified in 2 patients who presented with positional sciatica. 23% of patients who were scanned had positional sciatica. 5% of patients indicated for open MRI scanning demonstrated surgically relevant changes on dynamic MRI scanning. 22% of those with positional sciatica demonstrated surgically relevant pathology on dynamic scanning.
Conclusion
The total number of patients having indications for open MRI scans over a 5- year period is low. Dynamic MRI scanning is effective in identifying surgically relevant causes in those patients presenting with positional sciatica.
Conflicts of Interest: None
Sources of funding: None
