Spine and CCJ MRI with intelligentMR
Experience superior imaging with Medserena’s Open MRI scans for the Spine and Craniocervical Junction (CCJ), now enhanced with intelligentMR™ technology. Our open MRI systems reduce claustrophobia and allow for natural, weight-bearing scanning positions while delivering exceptional image clarity and shorter scan times.
These spine and neck MRI scans are offered in combinations to reflect the area being investigated. Selected examinations can also include additional positional imaging, such as seated variPOSE flexion and extension views and, for the lumbar spine only, a standing upright option. These images may help show how the spine behaves under more natural weight-bearing conditions than when lying flat.
There are a number of other advantages of having spine and neck MRI scans upright. These include the fact that in a seated position it may be possible to measure disc bulges more accurately and how far they may slip forward or backwards in alignment compared to being laid flat, as well as potentially give a more accurate picture of how much the canal width in the spine has been reduced.
The seated and open design of upright scanners also makes it more comfortable for patients whose back pain is brought on by laying on their back to be scanned. It can also be easier for patients whose spine is scoliotic (curved sideways), or kyphotic (an excessive outward curve of the spine resulting in an abnormal rounding of the upper back).
Unlike x-ray images, spine and neck MRI scans can give a clear picture of soft tissue, differentiating between different types of tissue and show inflammation in the spine.
Medserena offers also includes specialist scans to examine soft tissue in the neck and investigation of instability in the craniocervical junction (where the skull joins the top two vertebrae in the cervical section of the spine). Your physician will be able to help advise which type of spine and neck MRI scans or combination of MRI scans is most appropriate to investigate your back pain.
Positional Imaging Options
For selected spine examinations, we offer additional positional imaging to provide further information under load. These options are available as add-ons to the main scan and should be requested at the time of booking so that the correct appointment length and price can be arranged.
VariPOSE flexion and extension
VariPOSE is our seated flexion and extension imaging option. It can be added to lumbar spine, cervical spine, and whole spine MRI scans. For whole spine MRI, the variPOSE component is performed on the cervical and lumbar spine only.
Standing lumbar spine imaging
We also offer a standing upright option for the lumbar spine. This is available as a separate add-on to a lumbar spine scan. Standing imaging is limited to the lumbar component only and must be booked in advance. Standing scans are only available in core hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm) for safety reasons.
Booking both options together
For lumbar spine MRI, standing imaging can also be combined with variPOSE flexion and extension where clinically appropriate.
