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01-06-2013 | Scientific Article

Magnetic resonance imaging frequently changes classification of acute traumatic thoracolumbar spine injuries

Authors: Sebastian Winklhofer, Merly Thekkumthala-Sommer, Diethard Schmidt, Kaspar Rufibach, Clément ML Werner, Guido A Wanner, Hatem Alkadhi, Jürg Hodler, Gustav Andreisek

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 6/2013

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the influence of additional (MRI) compared with computed tomography (CT) alone for the classification of traumatic spinal injuries using the Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) system and the Thoraco-Lumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) scale.

Materials and methods

Images from 100 consecutive patients with at least one fracture on CT were evaluated retrospectively by three radiologists with regard to the AO and TLICS classification systems in 2 steps. First, all images from the initial CT examination were analyzed. Second, 6 weeks later, CT and MR images were analyzed together. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon tests were performed to identify changes in the number of fractures and ligamentous lesions detected and their corresponding classification.

Results

CT and MRI together revealed a total of 196 fractures (CT alone 162 fractures). The AO classification changed in 31 %, the TLICS classification changed in 33 % of the patients compared with CT alone. Based on CT and MRI together, the TLICS value changed from values < 5 (indication for conservative therapy) to values ≥ 5 (indication for surgical therapy) in 24 %.

Conclusion

MRI of patients with thoracolumbar spinal trauma considerably improved the detection of fractures and soft tissue injuries compared with CT alone and significantly changed the overall trauma classification.

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Title: Magnetic resonance imaging frequently changes classification of acute traumatic thoracolumbar spine injuries
Authors: Sebastian Winklhofer
Merly Thekkumthala-Sommer
Diethard Schmidt
Kaspar Rufibach
Clément ML Werner
Guido A Wanner
Hatem Alkadhi
Jürg Hodler
Gustav Andreisek
Publication date: 01-06-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Skeletal Radiology / Issue 6/2013
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-012-1551-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Magnetic resonance imaging frequently changes classification of acute traumatic thoracolumbar spine injuries

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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