Spectrum of imaging findings on axial T2-weighted fat-saturated imaging of the lumbar spine

• Axial T2FS images show pathology not readily seen with routine sequences.
• Axial T2FS shows hyperaemic and inflammatory changes, increasing diagnostic utility.
• Diagnostic accuracy can be increased without increasing examination time.

Axial T2-weighted fat-saturated imaging provides information not readily available from routine lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols and routine inclusion of this sequence in place of axial T1-weighted imaging provides additional diagnostic information that can be obtained without increasing examination time or cost. The purpose of this review is to highlight the value of axial T2-weighted fat-saturated imaging as part of a routine lumbar spine MRI protocol.