I was diagnosed several years ago with degenerative arthritis of the SI joints, bilaterally. My lower back/buttocks pain has increased significantly so my new doctor ordered a lumbar spine MRI. Does the lumbar spine MRI even show the SI joints? it appears to me that it stops at the L/S line and goes no further down into the sacro area, therefore this test isn t even really looking at the area which is causing my problem?
Dear Your concern is justified. Though lumbar spine MRI do not cover sacroiliac joint properly but in some sacroiliacs lumbar spine is also involved. MRI of lumbosacral spine in coronal section shows some imaging of sacroiliac joint. But best would be MRI lumbosacral spine with screening of sacroiliac joint. Best would be to consult your neurologist and discuss with all your records Hope information Is helpful God bless you good health