The Clinical Necessity of Lumbar Spine Mag-netic Resonance Imaging Prescriptions for Low Back Pain in Bushehr Teaching Hospitals in 2018

Low back pain (LBP) is currently the most common musculoskeletal disorder and a major cause of disability. A remarkable percentage of diagnostic imaging prescriptions are not necessary,
therefore, this study aimed to determine the necessity of lumbar MRI prescriptions in Bushehr teaching hospitals in 2018.

This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study recruited a sample size of 273 individuals from a population of all patients presenting to Bushehr teaching hospitals for low back pain and undergoing lumbar MRI. Data were collected using a questionnaire with demographic questions and prescription-related questions. SPSS 24 software was used for data analysis.

Of the 273 patients studied, 54% were female and 46% male. The mean age of patients was 43 years and 72% of all patients were between 21 and 50 years old. MRI was deemed unnecessary for approximately 44% of patients. Furthermore, MRI results were reported absolutely normal in 30% of the patients.

It can be concluded that many MRI services provided are not clinically necessary, and given the high hospital costs, especially for MRI, it is necessary to use valid indications to prevent ordering unnecessary tests, and imposed requests. Such indications will reduce the costs incurrd to healthcare system and patients.