PerspectiveAre all spine MRI studies created equal? Understanding and rewarding quality

The high incidence of failed back patients in the United States calls for a closer look at the source of the problem. In this paper I examine how variability in quality at the diagnostic stage can contribute to the problem. Although MRIs are widely perceived to be a commodity, I identify three key factors that create variability in the quality of an MRI: imaging equipment, imaging protocols, and subspecialization of the reading radiologist. To evaluate the impact of these quality variables, I am collaborating with Spreemo to run a clinical trial at Hospital for Special Surgery to determine the relationship between MRI quality measures and treatment recommendations, and ultimately patient outcomes.