Abstract

Spinal cord injuries have a significant impact on individual’s quality of life. It can be evaluated using MRI. MRI plays a crucial role in assessing ligamentous injuries, spinal cord injuries and soft tissue injuries. MRI imaging appearance of the spine also predicts outcomes after trauma. Most of the previous studies are based on the same. Few studies, like the present study, correlate vertebral and ligamentous injuries with spinal cord findings. This study aimed to evaluate the role of MRI in spinal cord evaluation in various osseous and ligamentous spinal injuries. Methodology: In this prospective study, a total of 66 patients of all ages with a history of trauma and involvement of the spine were taken as per inclusion-exclusion criteria. On MRI, various spinal cord injuries were evaluated in traumatic vertebral and ligamentous injuries of the spine. Results: In our study, cord abnormalities are found in 36 (55%) of patients and vertebral abnormalities are found in 56 (85%) of patients. The most common finding in the spinal cord was spinal cord oedema in 35(53%) cases. The results of our study have shown that spinal cord injuries are significantly associated in patients with posterior element fracture, facet joint dislocation, ALL tear, PLL tear and posterior ligament complex tear. Also, in patients having more than one fracture, significant bony and ligamentous injuries are more commonly associated with spinal cord injuries. Conclusion: It can be concluded that if an X-Ray of a traumatic spinal injury patient shows posterior element fracture, multiple bony fractures and facet joint dislocation, there is a high likelihood of spinal cord injury in them.

Description