title: Update on New Imaging Techniques for Trauma.
abstract: Computed tomography (CT) and MRI are complementary imaging modalities for the evaluation of the traumatic spine. Osseous delineation is best assessed with CT, whereas MRI gives superb soft tissue description. Awareness of the strengths and pitfalls of each modality is critical in the accurate interpretation of images. Advances in MR imaging of the spine, particularly of the spinal cord, provide glimpses into to the pathobiological mechanism of spinal cord injury. Innovative techniques relay microstructural information about the integrity of the axons and myelin sheaths. In addition to clinical status, imaging features may be helpful in prognostication and in monitoring therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 30N 1900E, Room #1A71 Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. Electronic address: lubdha.shah@hsc.utah.edu.
authors.forename: Lubdha M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of the Delaware Valley, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Suite 1080B Main Building, 132 South Tenth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Adam E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Flanders
mesh_terms: D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
keywords: Computed tomography; Diffusion tensor imaging; Gradient recalled echo; MRI; Susceptibility-weighted imaging