Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Spine

Abstract

In magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the cervical and thoracic spine, patients are positioned supine, head first. When imaging the lower thoracic spine patients can be positioned feet first if they are not too tall. Otherwise, their feet may reach the end of the magnet bore before they are in the correct position. If the magnet is open on both sides, this may not be a problem. Children are positioned feet first for thoracic examinations. We use a knee support for patient comfort, which in turn is favorable for the image quality since patients are less likely to move during the examination.