Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Does Modify Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Progression and Planning

David A. Provenzano, Esha Vaidya, Jason S. Kilgore

Preoperative MRIs altered 7.3% of potential SCS percutaneous trials.

- 3.5% (95% CI 1.9, 6.2) of total trials influenced were cervical.
- 20.7% (95% CI 11.6, 33.7) of cervical trials were influenced due to MRI findings.

- 3.8% (95% CI 2.1, 6.6) of total trials influenced were thoracic/lumbar.
- 4.6% (95% CI 2.6, 7.9) of thoracic/lumbar trials were influenced due to MRI findings.

Limited patient characteristics were identified that improved MRI-predicted capabilities. Therefore, all patient populations should be considered for preprocedural MRI to identify spinal pathology that may alter SCS trials.