Response: Full sequence spine MRIs are routinely performed as screening studies in pediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis; however, they may take up to 60 minutes or require sedation.

Limited sequence or “FAST” spine MRI scans require less time and a less frequent need for sedation, but they may decrease diagnostic accuracy. Limited sequence MRI scans perform fewer imaging sequences compared to full sequence MRI scans.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of limited sequence MRI scans as a screening tool in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

The learning curve is not steep to become comfortable in evaluating limited sequence spine MRI images or reports.

Response: Limited or “FAST” spine MRIs required shorter scan times — an average of 24 minutes, compared to 42 minutes for full sequence MRI scans — yet they detected neural axis abnormalities at the same rate as full sequence spine MRIs.

Limited sequence spine MRIs also reduced the need for sedation in patients under 10 years of age.

Limited sequence spine MRI is a reliable, safe screening tool for the detection of neural axis abnormalities in idiopathic scoliosis patients.

Response: Pediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis who previously required sedation for a spine MRI can potentially avoid an anesthesia or sedation event with the utilization of a limited spine MRI.

Additionally, given the decreased scan times for “FAST” spine MRIs, patients with time-sensitive needs for MRI imaging may be able to have their scans performed sooner.

Response: Future studies should evaluate the feasibility and safety of limited or “FAST” sequence spine MRIs in patients with congenital or neuromuscular scoliosis, as well as the institutional cost effectiveness of limited sequence spine MRIs. Data collection on a second study is currently underway.

Response: This quality improvement study is a great example of a collaborative enterprise-wide study. It engaged Nemours orthopedic surgeons and radiologists in Wilmington, Delaware, and Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida, as well as an undergraduate student from a Nemours-sponsored summer research program.

No disclosures.