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Quantitative [18F]-Naf-PET-MRI Analysis for the Evaluation of Dynamic Bone Turnover in a Patient with Facetogenic Low Back Pain
Published on: August 8, 2019
Traumatic thoracolumbar facet instability: characteristic imaging findings
1Department of Radiology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson 85724, USA.
Objective:
To review imaging patterns and injury mechanisms in patients with thoracolumbar facet instability (TFI).
Design:
Imaging studies for thoracolumbar osseous injuries over a 2-year period were reviewed. Imaging findings, injury pattern and reported mechanism of injury were established for patients with TFI.
Patients:
One hundred and ten patients with thoracolumbar acute, osseous injuries were studied.
Results:
Eleven of 68 (16.2%) unstable thoracolumbar injuries demonstrated TFI. Seven (64%) of the eleven TFI patients were unrestrained occupants in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and the remainder were involved in injuries dominated by blunt impact to the back. Only two (18%) had serious, permanent neurological deficits.
Conclusion:
TFI is a common injury pattern, particularly for unrestrained occupants in MVAs. Characteristic radiographic, CT and MRI findings are presented and correlated with the injury mechanism and clinical findings.
