Can an MRI be wrong?

[Patti180]

I recently had an MRI that indicated a fracture line on T1 Sequence (Between L4 and L5), most consistent with a macro trabecular fracture, possibly on a stress or insufficienct basis.  I had extreme pain, unable to stand up, walk, get out of bed, lay down, sit down, nothing so I suggested this MRI to my doctor.  I let the doctor know that it was not familiar pain as I have chronic pain in my back and go for epidurals every 3 months.   Because I have the history of cancer, he wanted a bone scan done. Now he is saying since the bone scan doesn't show a fracture so I don't have one.  I was so happy to have an answer and it made sense because of the pain I was in.  It was unfamiliar - not my normal chronic fibromyalgia pain.   THe MRI is incorrect and it is probably tissue.  The bone scan only indicated degenerative change in the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies with moderate increased bone uptake and no evidence of metastatic disease.  I have been so angry with him since I went there, because he was acting like I was faking.  My regular doctor gave me a stronger dose of medication and he just kept saying unbelievable.  Yes I am getting another doctor.  Any advice - suggestions, answers?   It lasted about 5 weeks and I seem to be on the mend right now.  

[Dr_Nassim]

MRI is not specific for bones. CAT scan (CT-scan) is best. bone scan (bone scintegraphy) is for bone mets.

[Patti180]

A related discussion, THe MRI is not wrong, my doctor was was started.

[Patti180]

What a wonderful thing you do answering people like me.  Thank you so much.  I am really not sure what that means.  If he ordered a bone scan for back pain and check for cancer would it show a fracture.  What is bone mets?  He showed me the fracture on the MRI - what else could that have been?  I had one emergency room visit, two pain shots, steroid pills and nothing would stop the pain.   It lasted about 8 weeks.  Pain traveling in my lower back from one side to the other.  Not being able to sleep because the pain was so bad, couldn't turn on my bed to either side or get up.   Once I was up couldn't stand up - well it took a while and was extremely painful.  In pain 24/7.  I just want an answer because I know it was not in my head and I know it was pain and nothing else.  Thank you so much for your help.