MRI detection of unsuspected vertebral injury in acute spinal trauma: incidence and significance

Objective. Multilevel spinal injury is well recognised. Previous studies reviewing the radiographs of spinal injury patients have shown an incidence of 15.2% of unsuspected spinal injury. It is recognised that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify injuries that are not demonstrated on radiographs. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and significance of spinal injuries using MRI in comparison with radiographs. Design and patients. The radiographs and MR images of 110 acute spinal injury patients were reviewed independently of each other and the findings were then correlated to determine any unsuspected injury. Results. MRI detected vertebral body bone bruises (microtrabecular bone injury) in 41.8% of spinal injury patients which were not seen on radiographs. These bone bruises were best appreciated on sagittal short tau inversion recovery MR sequences and seen at contiguous and non-contiguous levels in relation to the primary injury. Conclusion. This level of incidence of bone bruises has not previously been appreciated. We recommend that patients undergoing MRI for an injured segment of the spine are better assessed by MRI of the entire spine at the same time to exclude further injury. Received: 17 April 2000 Revision requested: 19 June 2000 Revision received: 6 September 2000 Accepted: 27 November 2000     

Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of ligament injuries

Magnetic resonance imaging has had a dramatic effect on the means by which we diagnose ligament injuries. Tears resulting from either acute trauma or overuse can be detected noninvasively, directing appropriate therapy be it conservative or surgical. For the elite athlete, earlier diagnosis leads to earlier intervention, or alternatively, a normal MRI examination can result in an earlier return to play. While MRI is accepted for the diagnosis of certain injuries such as complete tears of the cruciate ligaments of the knee, other injuries, such as partial cruciate ligament tears or tears of the intercarpal ligaments of the wrist, remain controversial. Received: 4 August 1998 Revision requested: 1 October 1998 Revision received: 23 October 1998 Accepted: 29 October 1998     

Cervical spine injury in the elderly: imaging features

An increase in the elderly population has resulted in an increased incidence of cervical spine injury in this group. No specific type of cervical spine trauma is seen in the elderly, although dens fractures are reported to be common. Hyperextension injuries due to falling and the resultant central cord syndrome in the mid and lower cervical segments due to decreased elasticity as a result of spondylosis may be also characteristic. The imaging features of cervical spine injury are often modified by associated spondylosis deformans, DISH and other systemic disorders. The value of MR imaging in such cases is emphasized. Received: 14 April 2000 Revision requested: 30 June 2000 Revision received: 18 August 2000 Accepted: 4 October 2000     

MR Imaging for Assessing Acute Vertebral Trauma

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the imaging assessment of patients sustaining acute vertebral injury and is indicated for all hemodynamically stable patients with acute neurologic deficits related to spinal column injury, particularly in the cervical region. MRI defines the presence and extent of lesions involving osseous structures, ligaments and other soft tissues, and the spinal cord parenchyma. Information obtained from MRI is useful in assessing the indication for and best approach to surgical management of vertebral injury by revealing herniated disc material, epidural hematoma, significant osteophytes, and level(s) of probable or potential spinal column instability. The appearance of spinal cord lesions by MRI provides prognostic information regarding likely extent of recovery of neurologic function. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can reliably demonstrate vertebral artery injuries not uncommonly associated with cervical spine subluxation/dislocation and fractures crossing the foramen transversarium. Improvements in speed of MR image acquisition and patient physiological support and monitoring compatibility in the MR-environment is making MRI more available and safe for use in the setting of acute major trauma.     

Correlation of MR imaging findings with intraoperative findings after cervical spine trauma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are limited data correlating MR imaging and anatomic findings of ligamentous injury in cervical spine trauma. This study compares acute MR imaging with surgical observations of disk/ligamentous injury after blunt cervical trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with acute cervical spine trauma who underwent preoperative MR imaging and surgery from 1998 to 2001 were identified. MR imaging was obtained within 48 hours of injury for most patients. All scans included sagittal T1, T2 fat-saturated, and short tau inversion recovery sequences. At surgery, extent of injury at the operated level was recorded on a standardized form for either anterior or posterior structures or both depending upon the operative approach. MR examinations were separately evaluated by 2 readers blinded to the intraoperative findings. Radiologic and surgical findings were then correlated. RESULTS: Of 31 patients, an anterior surgical approach was chosen in 17 patients and a posterior approach in 13 patients. In one patient anterior and posterior approaches were utilized. Seventy-one percent of patients had spinal cord injury on MR imaging. MR imaging was highly sensitive for injury to disk (93%), posterior longitudinal ligament (93%), and interspinous soft tissues (100%), but it was less sensitive for injury to the anterior longitudinal ligament (71%) and ligamentum flavum (67%). For most ligamentous structures, there was limited agreement between specific MR imaging findings and injury at surgery. CONCLUSION: In acute cervical spine trauma, MR imaging has moderate to high sensitivity for injury to specific ligamentous structures but limited agreement between specific MR imaging findings and injury at surgery. MR imaging may overestimate the extent of disruptive injury when compared with intraoperative findings, with potential clinical consequences.     

急性脊柱创伤的影像学分析

目的 :探讨各种影像检查对急性脊柱创伤的诊断价值及限度。方法 :回顾性分析 2 5 2例急性脊柱创伤病例 ,均在伤后 48h内行X线平片、CT及MRI检查。结果 :共检出椎体骨折 2 78例 ,X线平片、CT及MRI检出率相同 ,三者对附件骨折的检出率分别为 9.1%、2 3 .4%、14 .3 %,差异有极显著性意义 (P <0 .0 1)。 15 2例MRI直接显示脊髓损伤。结论 :在急性脊柱创伤的影像诊断中 ,X线平片可作初检手段 ,CT对骨折检出率最高 ,MRI对脊髓损伤诊断最佳 ,三者结合可提高诊断水平。     

MRI in the assessment of the supportive soft tissues of the cervical spine in acute trauma in children

We carried out a retrospective analysis of imaging and clinical findings in 52 children with a history of cervical spinal trauma. No patient had evidence of a fracture on plain films or CT. All had MRI at 1.5 T because of persistent or delayed symptoms, unexplained findings of injury or instability, or as further assessment of the extent of soft-tissue injury. Clinical follow-up ranged from 6 months to 3.5 years. MRI was evaluated for its influence on therapy and outcome. MRI was positive in 16 (31 %) of 52 patients. Posterior soft-tissue or ligamentous injury was the most common finding in the 10 patients with mild to moderate trauma, while acute disc bulges and longitudinal ligament disruption, each seen in one case, were uncommon. MRI was superior to CT for assessment of the extent of soft-tissue injury and for identification of spinal cord injuries and intracanalicular hemorrhage in the six patients with more severe trauma. MRI specifically influenced the management of all four patients requiring surgery by extending the level of posterior stabilization. No patients with normal MRI or any of the 10 with radiographically stable soft-tissue injury on MRI, developed delayed clinical or radiographic evidence of instability or deformity. Received: 5 August 1997 Accepted: 13 October 1997     

Ultrasound of the knee

Ultrasound is emerging as a viable imaging modality in the diagnosis and assessment of the musculoskeletal system. Advantages of ultrasound include its easy availability and multiplanar capability, as well as economic advantages. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound demonstrates the fibrillar microanatomy of tendons, ligaments and muscles, enhancing its diagnostic capability. The ability to compress, dynamically assess structures and compare easily with the contralateral side is advantageous. The patient’s exact point of clinical tenderness can be correlated with underlying anatomical structures and associated pathology. The main strength of knee ultrasound is the assessment of para-articular disease. The specific structures best suited for ultrasound assessment include tendons, muscles and ligaments, as well as periarticular soft tissue masses. Joint effusions, synovial thickening, bursal fluid collections, intra-articular loose bodies, ganglion cysts, ligament and tendons tears, tendonitis and occult fractures can be diagnosed. With experience, ultrasound is a time-efficient, economical imaging tool for assessment of the knee. Received: 28 November 2000 Revision requested: 26 January 2001 Revision received: 10 April 2001 Accepted: 10 April 2001     

Pseudo-osteomyelitic crisis upon presentation of Gaucher disease

We report on a 4-year-old boy adopted from Paraguay who presented with an acute onset of thigh pain. Initial clinical, imaging, and histopathologic findings suggested florid osteomyelitis. However, the development of pancytopenia on intravenous antibiotics prompted further investigation and the ultimate diagnosis of Gaucher disease. In retrospect, characteristic changes on conventional radiographic and MR images, as well as growth of a contaminant organism, pointed to the diagnosis of pseudo-osteomyelitis rather than osteomyelitis. Received: 21 November 2000 Revision requested: 13 December 2000 Revision received: 27 February 2001 Accepted: 28 February 2001     

New developments in the neuroradiological diagnosis of craniocerebral trauma

Accurate radiographic diagnosis is a cornerstone of the clinical management and outcome prediction of the head-injured patient. New technological advances, such as multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scanning and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have influenced imaging strategy. In this article we review the impact of these developments on the neuroradiological diagnosis of acute head injury. In the acute phase, multi-detector CT has supplanted plain X-ray films of the skull as the initial imaging study of choice. MRI, including fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, gradient echo T2* and diffusion-weighted sequences, is useful in determining the severity of acute brain tissue injury and may help to predict outcome. The role of MRI in showing diffuse axonal injuries is emphasized. We review the different patterns of primary and secondary extra-axial and intra-axial traumatic brain lesions and integrate new insights. Assessment of intracranial hypertension and cerebral herniation are of major clinical importance in patient management. We discuss the issue of pediatric brain trauma and stress the importance of MRI in non-accidental injury. In summary, new developments in imaging technology have advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of brain trauma and contribute to improving the survival of patients with craniocerebral injuries.     

Acute rotational trauma to the knee: poor agreement between clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging findings

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the general population; the pathology associated with a knee sprain verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and the agreement between clinical findings and MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Inclusion criterion was an acute rotational trauma to the knee associated with effusion. One hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients, mean age 27 years and 36% women, were included after clinical assessment at the orthopedic emergency unit. Patients were referred to an MRI examination (1.0 or 1.5 T) performed within a median of 8 days of the initial visit. RESULTS: The annual incidence of MRI verified ACL injuries was 0.81/1000 inhabitants aged 10-64 years. Fifty-six percent (n=89) of those included had sustained an ACL injury of whom 38% had an associated medial meniscus tear. There was a poor agreement between initial clinical antero-posterior laxity and MRI verified presence of an ACL tear (kappa 0.281). Every second patellar dislocation was diagnosed as a ligament injury. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the incidence of ACL injuries is higher than previously described. We also show that the first clinical examination after an acute knee trauma has a low diagnostic value. Further assessment with MRI improves the chances of a correct diagnosis of intraarticular pathology and is recommended in the early phase after a rotational knee trauma.     

Imaging of acute cervical spine injuries: review and outlook

Advances in imaging technology have been successfully applied in the emergency trauma setting with great benefit providing early, accurate and efficient diagnoses. Gaps in the knowledge of imaging acute spinal injury remain, despite a vast wealth of useful research and publications on the role of CT and MRI. This article reviews in a balanced manner the main questions that still face the attending radiologist by embracing the current and evolving concepts to help define and provide answers to the following; Imaging techniques -- strengths and weaknesses; what are the implications of a missed cervical spine injury?; who should be imaged?; how should they be imaged?; spinal immobilisation -- help or hazard?; residual open questions; what does all this mean?; and what are the implications for the radiologist? Although there are many helpful guidelines, the residual gaps in the knowledge base result in incomplete answers to the questions posed. The identification of these gaps in knowledge however should act as the initiating stimulus for further research. All too often there is a danger that the performance and productivity of the imaging modalities is the main research focus and not enough attention is given to the two fundamental prerequisites to the assessment of any imaging technology -- the clinical selection criteria for imaging and the level of expertise of the appropriate clinician interpreting the images.     

An assessment of the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder: literature review

Objective. To analyse and compare all papers published to date (August 2000) that quantify the effectiveness, defined as the impact of clinician’s diagnosis or management plans, or patient outcome, of MRI of the shoulder. Design. A computerised search of Index Medicus with a broad search strategy relating to shoulder MRI was performed. Manual assessment of all papers listed was undertaken with classification of each paper depending on whether it addressed questions of (1) technical performance, (2) diagnostic performance or (3) outcome. Results. Four of 265 qualifying papers addressed aspects of effectiveness and these were reviewed. The impact on the clinician’s diagnosis varied widely between papers: the primary diagnosis was altered in 23% to 68% of cases, and the management plans were subsequently changed in 15% to 61% of cases. Only one paper addressed the impact on patient health. Conclusions. The effectiveness of MRI of the shoulder depends on the clinical skills of the referring clinician and prevalence of disease in the study population. This will have implications when the effectiveness of an imaging technique between different institutions is compared, and this in turn will influence any comparisons of cost-effectiveness. Received: 22 October 1999 Revision requested: 31 January 2000 Revision received: 21 August 2000 Accepted: 24 August 2000     

Whole spine MRI in the assessment of acute vertebral body trauma

Objective To determine the incidence and types of multilevel vertebral body injury in association with acute spinal trauma as assessed by whole spine MRI.Design and patients All acute admissions to a regional spinal injury unit had whole spine MRI carried out, to detect occult vertebral body injury. Two radiologists assessed 127 cases prospectively, over a period of 3 years. All cases had T2-weighted sagittal imaging of the whole spine (where possible using a T2-weighted fat-suppressed sequence), with T1-weighted imaging in both sagittal and axial planes covering the primary injury. The incidence of secondary injury (defined as either bone bruising, wedge compression fracture or burst fracture) was determined and defined by type, site and relationship to the primary injury.Results Seventy-seven per cent of cases had a secondary injury level. Of these, bone bruising was the commonest but often occurred in combination with secondary wedge compression fracture or burst fracture. MRI detected 27 non-contiguous wedge compression fractures and 16 non-contiguous burst fractures, giving an incidence of secondary level, non-contiguous fracture of approximately 34%.Conclusion A higher frequency of secondary vertebral body injury may be defined by MRI than has been described in previous studies based on radiographic evaluation of the whole spine. Whole spine MRI in assessment for occult vertebral body fracture enables increased confidence in the conservative or surgical management of patients with severe spinal injury.     

三维MRI成像对急性颈髓损伤的诊断价值

目的:探讨三维稳态进动快速成像技术(threedimensionfastimagingwithsteadyprecession,3DFisp)磁共振成像技术对急性颈髓的诊断、治疗和对预后估计的价值。方法:对急性颈段脊髓损伤在MRI常规扫描基础上进行颈髓3DFisp技术成像扫描。结果:3DFisp较常规MRI更能全方位更清晰地反映颈髓各种损伤和病理特征。结论:颈髓三维Fisp技术更能准确评估急性颈髓损伤的程度,并能及早对脊髓损伤进行治疗和预后评估。     

急性脊椎外伤的MRI诊断价值

目的: 评价MRI诊断急性脊椎外伤的价值.材料和方法: 回顾性分析18例急性脊椎外伤的MRI表现.结果: 18例急性脊椎外伤中MRI清楚显示椎体骨折14个,椎体脱位4个,椎间盘突出13个,急性脊髓损伤11个,其中不同程度脊髓受压损伤8例,离断3例.结论: MRI能清楚显示椎体骨折、椎体滑脱、椎间盘突出、脊髓损伤等细节情况,是急性脊椎外伤首选的影像检查方法.     

Synovial osteochondromatosis complicating pilon fracture of the tibia

A case of previously undiagnosed synovial osteochondromatosis complicating a tibial pilon fracture is presented. The entrapment of osteochondral bodies within the fracture margin prevented complete reduction of the fracture and necessitated surgical intervention. Received: 27 December 2000 Revision requested: 26 January 2001 Revision received: 19 March 2001 Accepted: 21 March 2001     

Pathologic and post-operative conditions of the plantar fascia: review of MR imaging appearances

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has emerged as an important noninvasive diagnostic imaging technique for assessment of foot pathology. This modality, owing to its multiplanar imaging capability and inherent superiority in contrast, has been shown to be more accurate and sensitive for detection of plantar fascia pathology than any other imaging method. One of the most important and recognizable causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. With the exception of plantar fasciitis, there has been little emphasis on imaging other conditions that affect this important structure. The objective of this review is to demonstrate, from a perspective of MR imaging, the many different pathologic conditions that affect the plantar fascia. Included in this review will be a discussion of normal anatomy as well as entities such as acute plantar fasciitis, chronic plantar fasciitis, traumatic rupture, normal post-surgical changes, pathologic post-fasciotomy conditions, infection, and fibromatosis. Received: 25 January 2000 Revision requested: 21 March 2000 Revision received: 3 April 2000 Accepted: 6 April 2000     

Cotton-induced pseudotumor of the femur

Twenty-five years prior to presentation a 41-year-old man had a femoral fracture stabilized with a 4.5 mm AO/ASIF steel plate. The femur healed uneventfully and the patient was asymptomatic for the following 20 years. He then noticed a slow-growing swelling of the left thigh associated with a degree of weakness. Radiographs of the femur 25 years after fracture stabilization showed a massive expansive osteolytic process surrounded by a rim of bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of a large tumor. Since malignancy could not be excluded the patient underwent incisional biopsy. The histologic findings were nonspecific. Because of persistent symptoms the lesion was marginally excised. Intraoperatively a folded cotton sponge was found adjacent to the femur. Histopathologic investigation confirmed a foreign body reaction probably related to the retained cotton sponge. Reactive, foreign-body-induced change may mimic bone and or soft tissue malignancies. Received: 25 October 2000 Revision requested: 20 November 2000 Revision received: 19 February 2001 Accepted: 20 February 2001     

Spiral CT aortography: an efficient technique for the diagnosis of traumatic aortic injury

The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of spiral CT (SCT) aortography for diagnosing acute aortic lesions in blunt thoracic trauma patients. Between October 1992 and June 1997, 487 SCT scans of the chest were performed on blunt thoracic trauma patients. To assess aortic injury, the following SCT criteria were considered: hemomediastinum, peri-aortic hematoma, irregular aspect of the aortic wall, aortic pseudodiverticulum, intimal flap and traumatic dissection. Aortic injury was diagnosed on 14 SCT examinations (2.9 %), five of the patients having had an additional digital aortography that confirmed the aortic trauma. Twelve subjects underwent surgical repair of the thoracic aorta, which in all but one case confirmed the aortic injury. Two patients died before surgery from severe brain lesions. The aortic blunt lesions were confirmed at autopsy. According to the follow-up of the other 473 patients, we are aware of no false-negative SCT examination. Our limited series shows a sensitivity of 100 % and specificity of 99.8 % of SCT aortography in the diagnosis of aortic injury. It is concluded that SCT aortagraphy is an accurate diagnostic method for the assessment of aortic injury in blunt thoracic trauma patients. Received 18 July 1997; Revision received 11 September 1997; Accepted 23 October 1997