Trauma of the spine and spinal cord: imaging strategies.
Traumatic injuries of the spine and spinal cord are common and potentially devastating lesions. We present a comprehensive overview of the classification of vertebral fractures, based on morphology (e.g., wedge, (bi)concave, or crush fractures) or on the mechanism of injury (flexion-compression, axial compression, flexion-distraction, or rotational fracture-dislocation lesions). The merits and limitations of different imaging techniques are discussed, including plain X-ray films, multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection. There is growing evidence that state-of-the-art imaging techniques provide answers to some of the key questions in the management of patients with spine and spinal cord trauma: is the fracture stable or unstable? Is the fracture recent or old? Is the fracture benign or malignant? In summary, we show that high-quality radiological investigations are essential in the diagnosis and management of patients with spinal trauma.
Parizel
P M
PM
Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem (Antwerp), Belgium. paul.parizel@uza.be
van der Zijden
T
T
Gaudino
S
S
Spaepen
M
M
Voormolen
M H J
MH
Venstermans
C
C
De Belder
F
F
van den Hauwe
L
L
Van Goethem
J
J
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology