Magnetic imaging of lumbar spine

The author compares the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning with other modalities in the diagnosis of lumbar disk pathology. As a result of his study, he cites three advantages of magnetic scanning: no ionizing radiation, visualization of the entire lumbar spine and more distinctly obvious image differences in the disks, adjacent tissue, nerve roots and epidural fat. He also notes greater physician satisfaction in assessing results of magnetic scanning.