title: Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in spinal trauma in 29 consecutive patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Indication for surgery in spine trauma patients depends on the extent of destruction of the spine. Computer-assisted tomography scan (CAT scan) is not suitable to diagnose type B-injuries. Aim of the study was to investigate whether ultrasound is able to detect destruction of the posterior ligament complex (PLC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-nine patients were included. The results of ultrasound were compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CAT scan, X-ray, intraoperative findings. Statistical analysis was carried out by an independent observer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 27 cases both ultrasound and MRI had the same result. In two cases, ultrasound failed to detect ligamentous injury. The sensitivity of ultrasound was 0.82 (CI 0.48-0.98), its specificity: 1. MRI and Ultrasound findings had a strong positive correlation (phi = 0.85, Cohen's kappa: 0.85, with 95 % confidence interval 0.65-1) and a high significance (Fischer's exact test: p < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound may indicate rupture or integrity of PLC in cases where MRI is missing.
authors.affiliation: Spine Surgery, SRH Klinikum Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Karlsbad, Germany, holgermeinig@gmx.de.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Meinig
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Döffert
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Linz
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Konerding
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gercek
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pitzen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017846:Longitudinal Ligaments / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography