Thoracolumbar Spine Fracture Diagnosis

Plain x-rays of the thoracic and lumbar spine are essential to adequately evaluate a Thoracolumbar spine fracture. It is sometimes difficult to see a non-displaced or minimally displaced fracture or instability, therefore a Computed Tomography (CT) scan is usually ordered. Also to screen for chest and/or abdominal visceral injury.

For accurate classification, radiographs alone were insufficient except for C-type injuries. CT is mandatory for accurately classifying Thoracolumbar spine fractures. Though MRI did confer a modest gain in sensitivity in B2 injuries, the study does not support the need for routine MRI in patients for classification, assessing instability or need for surgery ¹⁾.