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Q In patients with low back pain (LBP), are there clinical or economic consequences when replacing lumbar spine radiography (LSR) with rapid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★☆☆ Rheumatology ★★★★★☆☆
METHODS
Design:
randomised controlled trial with 12 months of follow up.
Allocation:
concealed.*
Blinding:
blinded (outcome assessors.)*
Follow up period:
12 months.
Setting:
4 imaging centres in Western Washington State, USA.
Patients:
380 patients >18 years of age (mean age 53 y, 56% women) who had LBP with or without radiating leg pain referred for radiographs of their lumbar spine. Exclusion criteria included lumbar surgery within 1 year before enrolment, history of acute external trauma, metallic implants in the lumbar spine, any contraindications for MRI, lack of a telephone, pregnancy, and inability to speak English.
Intervention:
190 patients each …
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