Related Experiment Videos
[Experiences with MR tomography after cervical spinal trauma]
1Neurochirurgische Abteilung, Knappschaftis-Krankenhaus Bergmannsheil, Gelsenkirchen-Buer.
Abstract:
MRI has been evaluated in a series of 26 patients, who suffered blunt cervical spine injuries at least 6 weeks previously, and had continuous clinical signs of radicular (n = 8) and medullary (n = 18) syndromes. In 6 patients MRI visualised localised posttraumatic intramedullary parenchymal changes; 5 patients had posttraumatic cord atrophies and 2 patients "traumatic" disc herniations. Besides direct traumatic lesions, pre-existing uni-, bi- or multisegmental degenerative cervical spinal stenosis must be considered because it predisposes to spinal cord injury. MRI is an important supplementary diagnostic measure after cervical spine trauma when there are clinical signs of cervical local, radicular or medullary syndromes, because intra- or extramedullary lesions can be visualised. However it must be emphasized that with present MR techniques not all "microcystic" posttraumatic spinal cord degenerations can be visualised, even if there are clear neurological signs of myelopathy or radiculopathy.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) aids in diagnosing cervical spine trauma complications like cord atrophy and disc herniations. However, current MRI techniques may not detect all microcystic spinal cord degenerations.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Spinal Cord Injury
Background:
- Blunt cervical spine trauma can lead to persistent radicular and medullary syndromes.
- Pre-existing degenerative cervical spinal stenosis is a risk factor for spinal cord injury.
- Clinical signs of cervical syndromes necessitate further diagnostic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosing complications of blunt cervical spine trauma.
- To assess MRI's ability to visualize posttraumatic lesions and associated spinal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 26 patients with blunt cervical spine injuries sustained at least 6 weeks prior.
- Patients presented with continuous clinical signs of radicular or medullary syndromes.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed to assess spinal cord and surrounding structures.
Main Results:
- MRI identified localized posttraumatic intramedullary parenchymal changes in 6 patients.
- Posttraumatic cord atrophies were observed in 5 patients, and traumatic disc herniations in 2 patients.
- Degenerative cervical spinal stenosis was noted as a predisposing factor in some cases.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a valuable supplementary diagnostic tool for cervical spine trauma when clinical syndromes are present.
- MRI can visualize intra- and extramedullary lesions, aiding in diagnosis.
- Current MRI techniques have limitations in detecting all microcystic posttraumatic spinal cord degenerations.