Imaging recommendation · Musculoskeletal

Acute back pain with saddle anesthesia or bowel/bladder dysfunction

Recommended: MRI Lumbar Spine — emergent is the preferred imaging study for acute back pain with saddle anesthesia or bowel/bladder dysfunction. Surgical emergency — decompression within 24-48 hours preserves function.

Recommended study

MRI Lumbar Spine — emergent

MRI No contrast Preferred Musculoskeletal Emergency Reviewed 2026-05

Surgical emergency — decompression within 24-48 hours preserves function. CT myelogram if MRI unavailable.