Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Musculoskeletal spine, MR, CT, Computer Applications-Detection, diagnosis, Trauma
Authors:
A. Mermekli, K. Partington; Oxford/UK
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-3605
Findings and procedure details
We review the cervico-thoracic spinal injuries using Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging presenting to our Tertiary Trauma Centre,
discussing the pertinent findings and reporting approach,
with reference to their surgical relevance.
This includes intervertebral disc disruption,
anterior and posterior longitudinal ligament injury,
ligamentum flavum and interspinous ligament injury,
epidural haematoma,
facet joint dislocations and common traumatic vertebral fractures.
Figures 4 and 5 demonstrate bilateral facet joint dislocation at C5/6 level,
with intervertebral disc herniation into the spinal canal and spinal cord injury.
Figure 6 demonstrates Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL) disruption at C6/7 level,
with widening of the respective intervertebral disc.
Figure 7 demonstrates a T12 vertebral body superior endplate fracture.
On the subsequent MRI study (Figure 8) extensive ligamentous injury is demonstrated.
Figures 9 and 10 are from the same patient.
On Computed Tomography a comminuted fracture of the C4 vertebral body and a prevertebral haematoma are demonstrated.
On the subsequent Magnetic Resonance Imaging study,
extensive ligamentous disruption is also demonstrated.
Figure 11 demonstrates only a C7 spinous process fracture,
whereas on the MRI study (Figure 12) extensive interspinous ligament injury is visualised.
Figures 13 and 14 demonstrate a C2 vertebral body extension teardrop fracture,
with no associated ligamentous injury.
Figures 15 and 16 again demonstrate the extensive ligamentous injury that is revealed with Magnetic Resonance Imaging.