23rd August 2024

A 72-year-old man presents with a 2-day history of lumbar back pain associated with weakness of his left foot

A 72-year-old man presents with a 2-day history of lumbar back pain associated with weakness of his left foot. His neurological examination is otherwise normal. He was found to have 750 ml of urine in his bladder so has been catheterised in A&E. He has a background of colorectal cancer for which he has undergone a right hemicolectomy and is currently under surveillance.

Which is the single most important investigation to arrange for this patient?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.