MagniscreenMRI Protocols & Planning
Protocol Explorer

Spine protocol

Sacrum/Coccyx/SI Joints MRI

Sacrum, coccyx, and sacroiliac joint MRI for neoplasm, infection, fracture, and soft tissue pathology. Sagittal planning aligns parallel to the sacrum, coronal coverage extends from the body of L5 to the coccyx, and axial planning is angled perpendicular to the sacrum. Routinely performed without contrast; conditional intravenous contrast is available.

spinesacrumcoccyxSI jointssacroiliacpelviswithout contrast

For protocol planning and internal reference only. Follow institutional MRI safety screening, contrast, dosage, and GFR policies.

Decision supportContrast GuidanceDefault contrast approach and conditional indications.

Contrast indications

No routine contrast indications listed for this noncontrast protocol.

Dose notes

  • Follow department policy regarding contrast administration and dosing.
Acquisition listSequencesRequired and conditional series for the exam.
SequencePlanePhaseRequiredNotes
LocalizerAnynoncontrastYes-
Sagittal T2 FSsagittalnoncontrastYes-
Coronal T2 FScoronalnoncontrastYes-
Coronal T1coronalnoncontrastYes-
Axial T2 FSaxialnoncontrastYes-
Axial T1axialnoncontrastYes-
Axial T2 FS Whole PelvisaxialnoncontrastYesWhole pelvis coverage: above iliac crest to below symphysis pubis.
Axial T1 FS PreaxialprecontrastConditional-
InjectAnyconditionalConditional-
Axial T1 FS +CaxialpostcontrastConditional-
Coronal T1 FS +CcoronalpostcontrastConditional-
PositioningSlice PlanningPlane-specific planning instructions and guide images for technologists.

sagittal

Sagittal planning

  • Cover from the body of L5 to the coccyx.
  • Align slices parallel to the sacrum.
  • Include the sacroiliac joints in the field of view.
  • Cover through the entire sacrum from left to right.

Sacrum sagittal planning - sagittal coverage

sagittal

Source slide: 38. Focused embedded planning image from SACRUM CENTER AS ASIS / Sagittal.

Sacrum sagittal planning - coronal alignment

sagittal

Source slide: 38. Focused embedded planning image from SACRUM CENTER AS ASIS / Sagittal.

Sacrum sagittal planning - axial alignment

sagittal

Source slide: 38. Focused embedded planning image from SACRUM CENTER AS ASIS / Sagittal.

coronal

Coronal planning

  • The FOV will cover from the body of L5 to Coccyx.
  • Align parallel to SI joints to cover through entire sacrum from L to R.

Sacrum coronal planning - sagittal prescription

coronal

Source slide: 39. Focused embedded planning image from SACRUM / Coronal.

Sacrum coronal planning - coronal coverage

coronal

Source slide: 39. Focused embedded planning image from SACRUM / Coronal.

Sacrum coronal planning - axial coverage

coronal

Source slide: 39. Focused embedded planning image from SACRUM / Coronal.

axial

Axial planning

  • Angle slices perpendicular to the sacrum.
  • Cover superiorly from the lower portion of L5 through the sacrum and coccyx.
  • FOV must cover both SI joints and the entire sacrum posteriorly through mid-pelvis.
  • Whole pelvis acquisition: above the iliac crest to below the symphysis pubis.

Sacrum axial planning - sagittal prescription

axial

Source slide: 40. Focused embedded planning image from SACRUM / Axial.

Sacrum axial planning - coronal prescription

axial

Source slide: 40. Focused embedded planning image from SACRUM / Axial.

Sacrum axial planning - axial coverage

axial

Source slide: 40. Focused embedded planning image from SACRUM / Axial.

Anatomic extentCoverage RulesMinimum coverage expectations and alignment rules.

sagittal

Sagittal field of view

Cover from the body of L5 to the coccyx. Cover through the entire sacrum from left to right, aligned parallel to the sacrum with SI joints included.

coronal

Coronal field of view

Cover from the body of L5 through the coccyx, including the sacrum and both SI joints.

axial

Axial field of view

Angled perpendicular to the sacrum. Cover from the lower portion of L5 through the sacrum and coccyx. FOV covers both SI joints and the entire sacrum posteriorly through mid-pelvis.

axial

Axial whole pelvis field of view

Above the iliac crest to below the symphysis pubis.

TechniqueSuggested Technique SpecificationsPlane-level vendor-neutral guidance from the source protocol.

sagittal

slice thickness
<= 5.0 mm
gap
<= 1.0 mm

coronal

slice thickness
<= 4.0 mm
gap
<= 2.0 mm

axial

slice thickness
<= 4.0 mm
gap
<= 2.0 mm
Conditional workflowSpecial SituationsAdjustments for contrast, hardware, and protocol-specific conditions.

Surgical hardware present

  • Add Sagittal STIR sequence.
  • Add Coronal STIR sequence.
  • Add Axial STIR sequence.
Future detailAdvancedSource-backed scanner, vendor, and site-specific notes when available.

Advanced technical details, scanner variants, and planning guide assets can appear here as protocol data expands.