The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography in Spinal Cord Injury

Traumatic injuries of the spine are associated with long-term morbidity and mortality. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management of mechanical instability and spinal cord injury are important to prevent further neurologic deterioration. Spine surgeons require an understanding of the essential imaging techniques concerning the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of spinal cord injury. We present a review in the role of computed tomography (CT) including advancements in multidetector CT (MDCT), dual energy CT (DECT), and photon counting CT, and how it relates to spinal trauma. We also review magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and some of the developed MRI based classifications for prognosticating the severity and outcome of spinal cord injury, such as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tractography (DTI), functional MRI (fMRI), and perfusion MRI.

Automated summary

Traumatic spinal injuries have long-term negative impacts and can cause death. Timely diagnosis and proper management of mechanical instability and spinal cord injury are crucial for preventing further neurological deterioration. This review examines the role of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing, managing, and predicting the outcome of spinal cord injury, including advancements such as multidetector CT (MDCT), dual energy CT (DECT), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tractography (DTI), functional MRI (fMRI), and perfusion MRI.