Upright Flexion/Extension MRI

I have this suspicion that my neck is still damaged years after a car accident. I’ve had some MRIs done but none of them looks at compression of the spine with the head in different positions. Upright flexion/extension MRI is an advanced imaging technique that provides significant insights into spinal conditions by capturing dynamic changes in the spine during movement. This method is particularly useful for diagnosing issues that may not be evident in traditional supine MRI scans.

Key Features of Upright Flexion/Extension MRI

1. Dynamic Imaging: Unlike conventional MRI, which captures images while the patient is lying down, upright MRI allows for imaging in various positions, including standing, sitting, and during flexion and extension. This helps to visualize how the spine behaves under normal gravitational forces and during specific movements.
2. Enhanced Diagnostic Capability: Studies have shown that upright dynamic MRI can reveal conditions such as:
   • Disc Protrusions: Changes in disc height and protrusion can be observed when the spine is loaded, which may correlate with patient symptoms.
   • Spinal Canal Stenosis: Dynamic imaging can highlight narrowing of the spinal canal that occurs during extension or flexion, which might not be visible in neutral positions.
   • Cervical Cord Compression: In cases of cervical spine issues, flexion-extension MRI can demonstrate dynamic compression of the spinal cord, aiding in diagnosing conditions like myelopathy.
3. Patient Comfort: Upright MRI systems are designed to be more comfortable for patients, reducing anxiety associated with traditional closed MRI machines. The open configuration allows for easier access and less claustrophobia.
4. Clinical Applications: This imaging technique is particularly beneficial for:
   • Patients with chronic back pain or radiculopathy where conventional imaging fails to correlate findings with symptoms.
   • Surgical planning by providing detailed insights into spinal alignment and potential compressive factors that may affect surgical outcomes.

Finding FE MRI Imaging

In Kamloops, British Columbia, upright flexion/extension MRI imaging is available at the Welcome Back Clinic[2]. This facility is notable for having the only open, upright MRI machine in Canada, which allows patients to be imaged while lying down, sitting, or standing. This capability is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience pain that varies with posture, as it can reveal conditions that traditional supine MRIs might miss.

In California, several facilities offer upright flexion/extension MRI imaging, which allows for dynamic assessments of spinal conditions. Here are notable locations:

1. Dynamic Upright MRI
   Address: SAG-AFTRA, 5757 Wilshire Blvd #8, Los Angeles, CA 90036
   Phone: (323) 964-0674
   Website: Dynamic Upright MRI
2. East Bay Upright MRI
   Address: 25001 Industrial Blvd STE A, Hayward, CA 94545
   Phone: (510) 259-1555
   Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM, Saturday & Sunday: Closed
   Website: East Bay Upright MRI
3. Stand-Up MRI of Beverly Hills
   Address: 8370 Wilshire Blvd Ste 110, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
   Phone: (323) 966-0000
   Website: Stand-Up MRI of Beverly Hills
4. Encino Open MRI
   Address: 17323 Ventura Blvd #101, Encino, CA 91316
   Phone: (818) 986-4786
   Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM, Saturday: 9 AM – 3 PM, Sunday: Closed
   Website: Encino Open MRI
5. Vision Upright MRI
   Address: San Jose, CA (specific address not provided)
   This facility offers a multipositional MRI that allows patients to be scanned in various positions.
   Website: Vision Upright MRI

These facilities provide advanced imaging options that can help diagnose conditions related to spinal instability and other musculoskeletal issues by allowing for weight-bearing and position-specific scans.

Conclusion

Upright flexion/extension MRI represents a significant advancement in spinal imaging, offering a more comprehensive view of spinal dynamics and improving diagnostic accuracy. Its ability to capture changes under load makes it a valuable tool for clinicians dealing with complex spinal conditions.

Read More

[1] https://www.medcentral.com/pain/chronic/using-dynamic-mri-diagnose-neck-pain-importance-positional-cervical-cord
[2] https://www.welcomebackclinic.com/