Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of acute spine trauma

A comparison study of magnetic resonance imaging (MR), computed tomography (CT), and plain film evaluation of 113 consecutive spine trauma cases was conducted. The rate of true-positive findings (sensitivity) on MR was shown to be significantly higher than for CT or plain films in the evaluation of soft tissue or ligamentous injury (P<0.001). MR had a significantly lower rate of positive findings for fracture than CT (P<0.001) and was also shown to be significantly less sensitive for fracture than plain films (P<0.001). Spinal cord contusion, epidural hematoma, high-grade stenosis, and ligamentous or soft tissue injury were best evaluated with MR. MR, CT, and plain films are all important modalities for the evaluation of acute spine trauma. It is recommended that, after clinical examination, patients with spine trauma be evaluated first by plain film. If there is clinical or radiologic suspicion for acute spine injury, MR should be the next diagnostic procedure performed. If MR is positive for acute injury, CT may be indicated. CT best defines the extent of bony injury, and MR the extent of soft tissue injury, intrinsic spinal cord pathology, and extrinsic dural sac compression.