Learning objectives
The aim of this review is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy (value) of magnetic resonance imaging in spine trauma.
Background
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in detecting and evaluating spinal trauma.
Bone marrow edema due to subtile fractures,
soft-tissue and spinal cord lesions,
which may not be apparent on other imaging modalities,
can be detected with MRI.
Early detection often leads to prompt and accurate diagnosis and management,
as well as avoidance of unnecessary procedures.
Advantages of MRI such as the choice of various pulse sequences and higher contrast resolution make possible to diagnose the consecuences of spinal trauma more accurately.
With...
Imaging findings OR Procedure Details
At Clinic of traumatology in Zagreb,
trauma patientswith “some” degree of weakness according to ASIA impairment scale underwent MRI,
after evaluation of the spine with X-ray (three standard projections) and possible CT exam ( CT is needed for all moderate to severe spine trauma when the point of interest isimaging bony anatomy / type of fracture,
acute blood,
and calcified tissues).
MRI was obtained in patients whose CT scan showed a potentially unstable injury,
patients who coud notlocalize symptoms,
and those with neurological symptoms,
or...
Conclusion
WE KNOW that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the spine trauma patients.
Due to high sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging WE CAN detect spinal cord injuries and soft tissue injuries or visualize occult fracture, so WE MUST use MRI in spine trauma.
In spinal trauma MRI findings correlate with the degree of weakness according to ASIA impairment scale which makes MRI as an excellent diagnostic modality for evaluationand detectionposible causes for neurological / clinical symptoms and also bears significant implications in...
References
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Parizel PM,
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Trauma of the spine and spinal cord: imaging strategies.
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Mahmood NS,
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Magnetic resonance imaging in acute cervical spinal cord injury: a correlative study on spinal cord changes and 1 month motor recovery.
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