Hybrid Positron Emission Tomography and MRI (PET-MRI) with [18F]FDG for identifying musculoskeletal pain generators: Early experience

Motivation: Chronic low back pain (LBP) and persistent hip pain after total hip replacement (THR) are often inadequately treated since conventional imaging techniques as CT or MRI are unable to accurately identify the source of pain in these patients. Goal(s): To evaluate the clinical value of [18F]FDG PET-MRI for identification of pain generators in LBP and hip pain after THR. Approach: Randomized controlled trial with either [18F]FDG PET-MRI or standard clinical practice. Results: [18F]FDG PET-MRI can reveal previously unidentified pain generators in patients with chronic LBP or persistent hip pain after THR, leading to more changes in clinical management compared to standard clinical care. Impact: [18F]FDG PET-MRI in patients with chronic low back pain or persistent pain after total hip replacement can reveal previously unidentified pain sources. PET-MRI led to more changes in clinical management than in patients receiving standard clinical care.