A comparison between M.R.I. and C.T. in acute spinal trauma

Australas Radiol. 1992 Aug;36(3):192-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1673.1992.tb03150.x.

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 0.3T and Computed Tomography (CT) were compared in the retrospective evaluation of 34 patients with acute spinal cord injury. MRI was highly accurate in the imaging of vertebral body fracture, and spondylitic changes, and is the method of choice for imaging ligament injury, traumatic disc protrusion and spinal cord compression. It was also useful for the identification of subtle subluxations in the sagittal plane. CT remains the method of choice for imaging neural arch fractures. MRI at 0.3T is a valid technique for assessing patients with acute spinal trauma.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Edema / diagnosis
  • Edema / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnosis
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments / injuries
  • Ligaments / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnosis
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Osteophytosis / diagnosis
  • Spinal Osteophytosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed* / methods