Perspective Are all spine MRI studies created equal? Understanding and rewarding quality

ThehighincidenceoffailedbackpatientsintheUnitedStatescallsforacloserlookatthesourceofthe problem.In thispaperIexaminehowvariabilityinqualityatthediagnostic stagecancontributetothe problem.AlthoughMRIsarewidelyperceivedtobeacommodity,Iidentifythreekeyfactorsthatcreatevariability in the quality of an MRI: imaging equipment, imaging protocols, and subspecialization of the reading radiologist. To evaluate the impact of these quality variables, I am collaborating with Spreemo to run a clinical trial at Hospital for Special Surgery to determine the relationship between MRI quality measures and treatment recommendations, and ultimately patient outcomes.