Magnetic resonance imaging. Use in patients with low back or radicular pain.

With the current emphasis on cost containment, it is important to order the single best diagnostic test when clinical uncertainties must be resolved. Magnetic resonance imaging is currently the optimal imaging modality to provide the maximum amount of information when evaluating patients with suspected spinal disorders. A comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging study is needed along with a subspecialty interpretation to provide the greatest amount of useful clinical information.