When should an MRI be done for patients with signs of sciatica?. Issue 7 (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Penta, Joseph; Algert, Lesley; Mott, Timothy
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based practice. Volume 18:Issue 7(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• DOI: 10.1097/01.EBP.0000541009.08491.b1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1095-4120

Abstract

Abstract : Evidence‐Based Answer : Although evidence specifically in the setting of sciatica is lacking, MRI for low back pain in general does not improve outcomes in pain or function (SOR: A, meta‐analysis and RCT). MRI is recommended for low back pain with "red flag" features of serious underlying pathology such as spinal infection, cauda equina syndrome, cancer, spinal stenosis, or severe and progressive neurological deficits (SOR: B, consistent consensus evidence‐based guidelines of moderate quality evidence).