FIG 4. Routine and axially loaded MR images of a 54-year-old man with right sciatica and claudication. None of the three neurosurgeons changed the treatment decision based on the information provided by the axially loaded images.

A, Routine T2-weighted image obtained at L4–L5 shows mild spinal stenosis and bilateral foraminal stenosis.

B, Axially loaded T2-weighted image obtained at L4–L5 shows minimal accentuation of spinal stenosis.