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Document Type

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Trauma of the spine weighs heavily on the budget of social and economic development of our society. Multi-detector Computed Tomography (MDCT)scan clearance of the spine does not appear to result in greater radiation exposure. Accurate evaluation of the thoracolumbar spine is possible with targeted image reconstruction with sensitivity and specificity of spinal fracture detection of 98% and 97%.

Purpose: A) To evaluate the diagnostic validity of MDCT in assessment of spinal injuries in trauma patients. B) Also, to determining type and degree of spinal fractures.

Material and methods: A prospective study included 70 patients with traumatic spinal injuries examined with MDCT scan.

Results: the part of spine affected 21 (30%) were Lumbar, 20 (28.6%) were Cervical, 12 (17.1%) were Dorsal, 8 (11.4%) were no spine fractures, 2 (2.9%) were Dorsal and sacral, 2 (2.9%) were Cervical – dorsal, 2 (2.9%) were Lumbo-Sacral, 2 (2.9%) were Lumbar-dorsal and 1 (1.4%) were Coccygeal. regarding number of vertebra affected there were 60 (85.7) Spine fractures and 10 (14.3%) had no spine fractures. The most affected vertebra were L1 12 (17.1%), L2 5 (7.1%) and C5 4 (5.7%). Regarding complementary MRI study, 20 (28.6%) had complementary MRI. 12 (17.1%) were cervical, 6 (8.6%) were lumbar and 2 (2.9%) were dorsal.

Conclusion:. As CT technology has evolved, the bone anatomy is better visualized in CT and whole body multi-detector CT scan has become an integral part of the initial assessment of many injured post-traumatic patients. Considering the severity of trauma, CT shows accurate and faster ways to evaluate spinal trauma and its type and grading which has impact on appropriate management. It also most cost effective, complementary MRI is useful in detection of spinal cord and ligamentous injuries.

Keywords

MDCT, spinal trauma, spine fractures, fracture types, complementary MRI.

Subject Area

Radiology & Radiodiagnosis

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