Lumbar spine evaluation by rapid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) v radiographs in low back pain at 12 weeks*
| Outcomes | Rapid MRI | Radiograph | Difference (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| *MRS = 0–23 modified Roland Scale (higher score indicates worse health). | |||
| †CI (defined in glossary) from analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline score and study site. | |||
| ‡Significant difference favours rapid MRI (higher score indicates greater reassurance). | |||
| Back pain related disability (mean MRS score) | 9.3 | 8.8 | 0.59 (–0.87 to 1.70)† |
| Patient reassurance (mean of 5 point scale) | 3.2 | 2.5 | 0.68 (0.35 to 0.99)†‡ |
| Total societal costs/patient (2001 US dollars) | 2380 | 2059 | 321 (–458 to 1100) |