[Ultrasound examination of the posterior ligament complex in thoracolumbar spinal fractures].
BACKGROUND
thoracolumbar distraction injuries (AO classification type B) with damage to the posterior ligament complex (PLC) represent an indication for surgery but the use of X-ray and CT imaging often does not identify injuries of the PLC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound imaging in the assessment of the PLC status in thoracolumbar fractures of the spine.


METHODS
in a prospective study the findings of the preoperative ultrasound examination were compared to the intraoperative findings.


RESULTS
over a period of 2 years a total of 24 patients with 27 thoracolumbar fractures (18 type A, 9 type B) were examined. In 22 cases ultrasound examination was possible and correct ultrasound findings were made in 20 cases (91%). The sensitivity was 83.3%, specificity 93.8%, positive predictive value 83.3% and negative predictive value 93.8%.


CONCLUSIONS
the use of ultrasound examination in thoracolumbar fractures is a suitable diagnostic tool for injuries of the posterior ligament complex in addition to radiological imaging.
von Scotti
F
F
Hals-Nasen-Ohrenklinik, Campus Virchow Klinikum , Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Schröder
R-J
RJ
Streitparth
F
F
Kandziora
F
F
Hoffmann
R
R
Schnake
K J
KJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D017846:Longitudinal Ligaments / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014159:Transducers; D014463:Ultrasonography