This very common scan aims to image the spine between T11 and S2 and has a range of variations tailored to different clinical questions and underlying pathologies.

Positioning

The patient lies supine on the scan table with the arms by their side. It is important to ensure comfort to reduce motion artefact.

Basic Scan

• Lower spine coil array
• FOV to cover between T11 and S2
• Saturation band applied to cover the aorta, parallel to the orientation of the spine
• Sagittal images must scan out far enough lateral to include neural foramina
• Axial images should be narrow FOV such that abdmominal viscera are excluded and a vertebra fills at least 75% of the ouput image
• Axial images cover visible pathological levels or if none are identified, the lower 3 intervertebral levels

Sequence
T1 Sagittal
T2 Sagittal
T2 Axial

STIR sequence

• Patients < 30yrs routinely to help detect acute pars fracture
• Oncology or infection cases

Sequence
T2 STIR

Contrast sequences

• Only when protocolled by radiologist
  • Neurosurgical
  • Oncology
  • Lesion characterisation
  • Infection

Sequence
T1 Sagittal post Gd
T1 Axial post Gd