Thoracic spine trauma.
Thoracic spine fractures are most commonly flexion injuries resulting from vehicular accidents or falls. The initial evaluation of any multiple trauma victim should include AP and cross-table lateral radiographs of the thoracic spine. Conventional and computed axial tomography can add additional information regarding posterior element integrity and spinal canal encroachment. MRI can also be useful in that it directly images the effects of fractures on the spinal cord.
Meyer
S
S
Radiology Department, Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis 46206.
D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012622:Seat Belts; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed