Imaging studies for acute low back pain. When and when not to order them.
Acute low back pain is generally a self-limited condition, and most patients recover within a few weeks without the need for imaging studies. However, physicians need to be on the lookout for red flags that point to more serious conditions, such as infection or malignancy, which require imaging. In this article, the authors identify these warning signs and discuss the appropriate use of imaging studies for a variety of symptoms and conditions.
Staiger
T O
TO
Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195, USA. staiger@u.washington.edu
Paauw
D S
DS
Deyo
R A
RA
Jarvik
J G
JG
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications