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Magnetic resonance imaging of the coccyx is a research method that allows you to detect pathology in this part of the spine. This method can help in the detection of neoplasms, traumatic injuries and developmental anomalies. MRI is an innovative method of radiation diagnostics, since it uses not ionizing radiation, but safer phenomena for the human body, such as an electromagnetic field and radio frequency pulses. The method is based on the properties of hydrogen atoms to specifically respond to magnetic radiation, thereby creating the possibility of visualizing the insides of the human body.
The essence of the method
This diagnostic method is unique, since it provides the ability not to shift or change the position of the patient, if necessary, to study not only the coccyx, but also the upper spine, which is provided with the help of special tomograph sensors. MRI of the coccyx is a safe diagnostic method, since X-ray ionizing radiation is not used during the study, and due to this, this study can be carried out repeatedly without harming the human body.
MRI of the coccyx is performed in three projections: transverse, longitudinal and sagittal. After the study, the results are usually printed on film, or they can be entered into a computer, saved on disk.
What is a coccyx?
The coccyx is a triangular bone that makes up the lowest part of the spine. It is a vestigial tail. Depending on the development of the individual, the coccyx may consist of three to five vertebral bones connected by joints and/or discoid ligaments. Although it was originally thought that the coccyx was always fused together, it is now known that the coccyx is not the only hard bone, but that there is limited movement between bones connected by fibrous joints and ligaments.
The coccyx connects to the sacrum through the cruciate joint, and there is usually limited movement between the coccyx and sacrum. The coccyx usually moves slightly forward or backward as the pelvis, hips, and legs move. When a person is sitting or standing, the bones that make up the pelvis (including the coccyx) rotate outward and inward slightly to better support and balance the body.
Indications for MRI
The most common indication for an MRI of the coccyx is a coccygeal cyst. The coccygeal cyst is a congenital anomaly that can be latent for a long time and does not bother the patient. Usually people notice this pathology when it suppurates and manifests itself in the form of an abscess, or infiltrate. In advanced cases, pus from the cyst breaks through and is released to the surface through holes – a fistula. This type of study allows good visualization of the cyst cavity, which is very important for deciding further treatment tactics, since if pus has accumulated in the cyst, urgent surgical intervention is necessary. Therefore, MRI should be performed in patients with this pathology when planning treatment tactics.
Indications for referring a patient to an MRI of the coccyx are:
- lower back injuries;
- leg numbness;
- suspicions of neoplasms of this part of the spine;
- suspicion of hemangioma and teratoma;
- any other anomalies in the development of the coccyx.
MRI can be performed using a contrast agent for a more complete visualization of various pathological conditions and anomalies of this spine. The coccyx itself is a rudimentary organ, that is, it does not perform important functions in the human body, but diseases that can occur when it is damaged, or anomalies that are associated with this organ, can be very dangerous. Therefore, timely detection and diagnosis of diseases of the coccyx is very important, with which MRI helps, to which the doctor can refer the patient in the presence of complaints and pains associated with this part of the spine.
MRI is used to diagnose:
- coccygeal cyst;
- injuries of various origins;
- osteochondrosis;
- epithelial course;
- tumors and metastases;
- septic and tuberculous destruction.
This type of diagnosis is rarely carried out separately, more often it is always performed in combination with magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral, or pelvic organs. Sometimes an MRI of the coccyx is performed along with all parts of the spine. Usually, specialists such as surgeons, with a coccygeal cyst, or traumatologists, in the presence of an injury to this part of the spine, are referred to an MRI of the coccyx.
Contraindications to the procedure
There are no specific contraindications for MRI of the coccyx, they are identical for all magnetic resonance imaging. Contraindications include:
- the presence of pacemakers;
- the presence of metal implants in the human body, such as stents;
- the presence of a woman’s pregnancy up to 12 weeks;
- claustrophobia.
When breastfeeding, this diagnostic method is not contraindicated. But it is forbidden to feed the child for 2 days if a contrast agent was used during the study.
Preparing for the procedure
No specific preparation is required for the coccyx MRI procedure, this research method is carried out on an outpatient basis, it is possible to carry out even on the day the patient visits the doctor for quick diagnosis. If the study is carried out using contrast, then the time will be no more than 30 minutes, and if not, then it will take no more than 15 minutes. Before the examination, the patient should be freed from iron objects and laid down. A necessary condition for conducting a qualitative study is immobility.
Some people need specific training if there is any neurological disorder that prevents the patient from being immobile for a long time, or in an enclosed space, such as claustrophobia. In these cases, it is possible to use sedatives that will calm the patient and allow him to pass this study. MRI in rare cases is performed using anesthesia for children, in the presence of vital indications.
What happens during an MRI?
The study is carried out in special rooms, they consist of two rooms, in the first there is a tomograph where the patient will be placed, and in the other room there is staff during the study. The table with the patient drives into the tomograph, where the study will be carried out. The second room is separated from the first by a glass partition, so the doctor can observe the patient during the procedure. The tomograph makes noise during the examination. MRI is a completely painless and harmless procedure.
Benefits of an MRI of the coccyx
This type of research has a lot of advantages in comparison with other, more harmful methods. MRI provides the most accurate and specific imaging capability, and can show blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Using this diagnostic method, it is possible to obtain images of the coccyx in several different projections. MRI is considered the safest research method, since it does not use x-rays.
A high ability to visualize various tissues and structures is an indispensable property of MRI diagnostics for diseases of the coccyx, since the coccyx itself is rarely exposed to them, most often the surrounding tissues are involved in the pathological process.
MRI is an indispensable diagnostic method when planning surgery for oncological diseases of this spine region, since it allows you to take a picture in different projections. Also, the safety of the method allows you to repeat this procedure if there is evidence.