Learning to Read MRIs. Need Help!!!!

[The Pain Man]

I just started my pain fellowship. I am trying to learn how to read spinal MRIs and I am looking for a good introductory textbook (MRIs for Dummies) that will teach the basic fundamentals about how to approach reading MRIs and anatomical structures. Some of the radiologic test are more geared for radiologist and are too broad. If any knows of a great textbook or internet site please let me know. Thanks
😕

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[mehul_25]

I just started my pain fellowship. I am trying to learn how to read spinal MRIs and I am looking for a good introductory textbook (MRIs for Dummies) that will teach the basic fundamentals about how to approach reading MRIs and anatomical structures. Some of the radiologic test are more geared for radiologist and are too broad. If any knows of a great textbook or internet site please let me know. Thanks
😕

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?r=1&ISBN=1888799986&pdf=y&z=y

check this book out, it is nice overview of the radiology geared towards non-radiologists. Not perfect but i like it.

 

[Tenesma]

MRI atlas of the spine... is pretty good

nothing beats discussing MRIs/CTs with the radiologists EVERY day

When i was a pain fellow, i would choose one or two weird MRIs to take to radiology to discuss with them-- they are usually more than glad to discuss those with you

Ask the radiologists if you can spend your lunch time with them while they read films so that you can learn how they read

Go to the surgical (neuro or ortho) spine conferences - those are usually done for the ortho/neuro spine fellows/residents where they present tough spine cases and will frequently show you pre and post op pictures -

once you get the basics down it gets easier with each MRI you look at

part of your future practice/habit should be that you eye-ball every MRI with every patient.... never rely on radiology reports (useless 90% of the time either because they miss things or because they tend to "over"-describe findings for medico-legal reasons)

 

[normalforce]

This is also a good time to reiterate to all of the current residents who are interested in doing a pain fellowship to do an elective in MSK rads. Will be worth it. Fortunately at RIC we have excellent exposure to MRI/CT reading with our sports and spine cases/conferences/electives as well as a great elective option.

Just a heads up

NF

 

[DREZ Leptin]

http://www.amazon.com/MRI-Lumbar-Sp...7340164?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189821252&sr=1-1

I just bought this one. Hard to find. Clinical,simple,very good.

 

[ampaphb]

http://www.spinalinjection.com/pdf/events/Anatomy-Imaging07.pdf

 

[Doctodd]

Wash U had a great online tutorial for the residents, but i cant find it now from a quick yahoo search. Maybe give it a better search and post for us too. ;-)

T

 

[Mister Mxyzptlk]

This is something you have to learn "in vivo". If you're a resident try to do a rotation in neuroradiology. If you're already out, pick a facility that you like, send them a lot of patients to establish your value to them, and then ask the radiologist if you can review some films together.

The next best thing to being there is a lecture. ASRA had a conference a few years ago and they had a lecture on MRI from a radiologist that was fantastic. I think I might wander over to N.O. for that ISIS imaging course.

Reading your own films is absolutely essential. I have my office staff tell new patients to bring their films with them to the visit. An xray report is someone trying to describe a picture in writing. What they call "minor" you might call significant. And not all radiologists are created equal. There are some whose reports I trust and others that I never trust.

 

[ampaphb]

I think I might wander over to N.O. for that ISIS imaging course.

I will see you there

 

[Mister Mxyzptlk]

I will see you there

Not if I see you first.