Surface coil MR imaging of acute spinal trauma

Thirty-two fractures were imaged in 21 patients, 18 in the first week after trauma, MR imaging detected all significant fractures of the thoracolumbar spine; and it was superior to other modalities in evaluating trauma to the disk and spinal cord. It was more sensitive, although less specific, than CT in assessing epidural mass effect. Most important, MR imaging was the only modality that identified tears of the spinal ligaments, enabling surgeons to accurately determine the stability of the spinal injury. The results indicate that Mr imaging can replace CT in evaluating the thoracolumbar spine. CT will play the major role in assessment of the cervical region, but MR is helpful in evaluating the spinal canal and cord