The extent of inappropriate use of magnetic resonance imaging in low back pain and its contributory factors.

INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a relatively expensive technology with a wide range of application for diagnosis and treatment of patients.[ 1 , 2 ] There has been an increasing trend of using MRI in recent years.[ 3 ] However, it seems that a proportion of patients using MRI have no clear indication for it and this might result in a large drain on health-care resources.[ 4 ] Acute low back pain (LBP) is a very common health problem leading to a significant disability and costs.[ 5 ] The aim of this study was to identify a comprehensive list of indications and contraindications for using MRI in patients with LBP and to determine the level of appropriate use of this technology in patients with LBP on the basis of this list in Iran.

also in 63,971 other papers