Abstract
Workers' compensation claims resulting from low back injuries are a major concern for U.S. employees and employers. Employees seek resolution of their injuries and related symptoms and rapid return to gainful employment. Employers are eager to help them, as they must absorb the health care and disability costs incurred. Health care providers involved with workers' compensation claims are charged with providing appropriate services to meet the needs of both employees and employers. Magnetic resonance imaging has become the gold standard for diagnosing low back injuries. This study provided data necessary for health care providers to design protocols using magnetic resonance imaging in managing workers' compensation claims for low back injuries.