COMPARATIVE DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF CT AND MRI IN TRAUMATIC VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURES

Abstract

TVCFs are large spinal fractures caused by trauma which may lead to collapse, instability, neurological impairment and long-term disability if not properly evaluated. Thus, imaging assessment is crucial in determining the morphology of the fracture, the integrity of the ligaments, the compromise of the spinal canal, and soft-tissue injury. The present study is a retrospective comparative analysis to access the diagnostic potential of Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in a study of traumatic vertebral compression fractures. Fifteen pairs of CT–MRI were collected and reviewed in a retrospective manner over a period of 18 months from Bajwa Trauma Center and Teaching Hospital, Sargodha. CT had better visualization of the following features: cortical disruption, vertebral body collapse, posterior wall involvement, retropulsion and osseous canal compromise. MRI was more sensitive for bone marrow edema, injury to the posterior ligamentous complex, spinal cord compression, evidence of alteration of the signal from the spinal cord, and soft tissue abnormalities. Additionally, MRI also detected clinically unapparent injuries not previously identified on a CT scan and helped to provide more accurate stability evaluation. The results indicated that MRI was essential for information about occult instability and neural involvement and that CT was still essential in acute trauma for rapid evaluation of the structure. Finally, the study suggested that CT and MRI might be used in conjunction without being mutually exclusive in the evaluation of traumatic spine injuries.