Spine Imaging 2023 PDF
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Uploaded by LikableKineticArt
European University Cyprus
Loizos Siakallis
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Summary
This document discusses various imaging modalities for visualizing the spine, including radiographs, CT scans, and MRI. It emphasizes the appropriate uses for each modality based on the specific injury and focuses on the visualization of bone, soft tissues, and spinal cord in the context of spinal trauma. The document also touches upon the stability of the spine and the Denis three-column classification, although it expresses some doubt regarding the validity of that classification.
Full Transcript
Soft tissues: Muscles / Ligaments Bone Structures Neural structures: Spinal cord / Nerves Radiographs: Appropriate visualisation of bone structures, vertebral alignment(**-). Basic suboptimal visualisation of soft tissues (*--). Appropriate for initial investigation of mild spinal trauma (CT optimal...
Soft tissues: Muscles / Ligaments Bone Structures Neural structures: Spinal cord / Nerves Radiographs: Appropriate visualisation of bone structures, vertebral alignment(**-). Basic suboptimal visualisation of soft tissues (*--). Appropriate for initial investigation of mild spinal trauma (CT optimal for severe injuries). Computed Tomography (CT): Optimal visualisation of bone structures, vertebral alignment (+++). Appropriate visualisation of soft tissues (++-). Limited visualisation of spinal cord (+--). Modality of choice for severe spinal injury, multi-trauma patients. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Optimal visualisation of soft tissues (+++). Optimal visualisation of spinal cord (+++). Identification of bone oedema and fractures, limited resolution of bone anatomy (++-). Modality of choice for spinal cord injury. The spine is constituted by bone structures (vertebrae), supported by ligaments and muscles. The PLC contributes to the stability of the spine. Denis three column classification (?outdated) Instability occurs when injuries affect 2 contiguous columns (i.e. anterior and middle column or middle and posterior column). Obviously a 3 column injury is also unstable. 1 3 5 2 4 6 1 2 3 4 5 If T1 cannot be visualised a swimmer's lateral projection may be required 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 2 1 3 Lateral aspects of the lateral masses should have
