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Trauma of the spine and spinal cord: imaging strategies

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Abstract

Traumatic injuries of the spine and spinal cord are common and potentially devastating lesions. We present a comprehensive overview of the classification of vertebral fractures, based on morphology (e.g., wedge, (bi)concave, or crush fractures) or on the mechanism of injury (flexion-compression, axial compression, flexion-distraction, or rotational fracture-dislocation lesions). The merits and limitations of different imaging techniques are discussed, including plain X-ray films, multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection. There is growing evidence that state-of-the-art imaging techniques provide answers to some of the key questions in the management of patients with spine and spinal cord trauma: is the fracture stable or unstable? Is the fracture recent or old? Is the fracture benign or malignant? In summary, we show that high-quality radiological investigations are essential in the diagnosis and management of patients with spinal trauma.

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None of the authors has any potential conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem (Antwerp), Belgium

    P. M. Parizel, T. van der Zijden, S. Gaudino, M. Spaepen, M. H. J. Voormolen, C. Venstermans, F. De Belder, L. van den Hauwe & J. Van Goethem

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  1. P. M. Parizel
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  2. T. van der Zijden
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  3. S. Gaudino
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  4. M. Spaepen
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  5. M. H. J. Voormolen
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  7. F. De Belder
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  8. L. van den Hauwe
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Correspondence to P. M. Parizel.

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Parizel, P.M., van der Zijden, T., Gaudino, S. et al. Trauma of the spine and spinal cord: imaging strategies. Eur Spine J 19 (Suppl 1), 8–17 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-009-1123-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-009-1123-5

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