Impact of protocol-based requisition on MR image quality in non-sedated patients with scoliosis

Objective: To study the impact of protocol-based MRI on image quality in non-sedated patients with scoliosis. Methods: From 1/1/2012 through 5/30/2013, 100 patients with scoliosis were randomized into protocol-based group (50) and control group (50) for the MRI. The image quality of both groups was evaluated without knowledge of the clinical or imaging findings. Results: The images were diagnostic in 96% of the protocol-based group, significantly higher than the 85% in the control group (P = 0.036). The image quality was good in 88% of the protocol-based group, significantly higher than the 60% in the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Protocol-based MRI improves the image quality in non-sedated patients with scoliosis. (authors)