Role Of MRI in the Diagnosis and Classification of Spinal Trauma: Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Spinal trauma is a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, frequently resulting in severe neurological impairment and long-term disability. While
conventional radiography and computed tomography (CT) are useful for identifying bony injuries, they often fail to adequately assess soft tissue damage. Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as an essential diagnostic modality due to its superior soft tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging capabilities.
Material and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients
with suspected spinal trauma. The study cohort consisted of 60 patients (40 males and 20 females) who were systematically evaluated to document various injury
patterns, including vertebral fractures, spinal cord edema, hemorrhage, ligamentous disruptions, disc herniations, and epidural hematomas. These findings were
subsequently analyzed to determine spinal stability and to assess the utility of MRI in guiding clinical management.
Results: The study revealed that cervical spine injuries were the most prevalent (40%), followed by thoracic and lumbar injuries (30% each). MRI findings demonstrated
a high diagnostic utility, with vertebral fractures identified in 63.3% of cases, spinal cord edema in 33.3%, and disc herniations in 25%. Ligamentous injuries were
detected in 20% of patients, while cord hemorrhage and epidural hematomas were observed in 13.3% and 8.3% of cases, respectively. Based on MRI evaluation, 60%
of the injuries were classified as stable, while 40% were classified as unstable.
Conclusion: MRI is an indispensable tool in the comprehensive evaluation of spinal trauma. Its ability to provide detailed visualization of the spinal cord, ligaments,
intervertebral discs, and paraspinal soft tissues significantly enhances diagnostic precision and injury classification. These findings are crucial for guiding therapeutic
decision-making, differentiating stable from unstable injuries, and ultimately improving patient prognosis.