Slices must be sufficient to cover the whole t spine from T1 to T12. An appropriate angle must be given in the coronal plane on a tilted or scoliotic spine (parallel to the intervertebral disc space). Plan the axial slices on the sagittal plane angle the position block perpendicular to the spinal cord. Phase direction should be head to feet to avoid further motion artefacts form the chest. This is to avoid the breathing artefacts over the spinal area. A saturation band must be placed over the chest (as shown in the diagram) in the sagittal plane. Check the position block in the sagittal plan FOV must be big enough to cover the whole thoracic and cervical spine from C1 down to T12 (normally 480 mm).Slices must be sufficient to cover the spine from the lateral border of RT transverse process up to the lateral border of LT transverse process. An appropriate angle must be given in the axial plane on a tilted patient (Parallel to the line along the centre of the vertebral body and the spinous process). Check the positioning block in the other two planes. Plan the sagittal slices on the coronal plane angle the position block parallel to spinal cord. Suggested protocols, parameters and planningĪ three plane localiser must be taken in the beginning to localise and plan the sequences. Give cushions under the legs for extra comfortĬentre the laser beam localiser over the mid sternum (T4-T5 level) Position the patient in the spine and neck coils Offer earplugs or headphones, possibly with music for extra comfort If possible provide a chaperone for claustrophobic patients (e.g. Gadolinium should only be given to the patient if GFR is > 30 Pregnancy (risk vs benefit ratio to be assessed)Ī satisfactory written consent form must be taken from the patient before entering the scanner roomĪsk the patient to remove all metal object including keys, coins, wallet, any cards with magnetic strips, jewellery, hearing aid and hairpinsĪsk the patient to undress and change into a hospital gownĬontrast injection risk and benefits must be explained to the patient before the scan Intracranial aneurysm clips (unless made of titanium) cardiac pacemaker, insulin pump biostimulator, neurostimulator, cochlear implant, and hearing aids) > Nontraumatic vascular injuries of the spineĪny electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implant (e.g. > Evaluation or monitoring of demyelinating disease > Evaluation or monitoring of spinal cord compression > Evaluation or monitoring of tumour of the CNS or meninges > Evaluation or monitoring of inflammation of the CNS or meninges > Evaluation or monitoring of congenital malformations of the spinal cord > Possible spinal cord injury and post-traumatic neurologic deficit > Myelopathies, Multiple Sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases > Infectious or inflammatory processes (eg.Spinal Cord Abscess or Spinal Osteomyelitis) Localised upper back pain and radiculopathy with 6-week course of conservative care and