• F C Oner, A P van Gils, W J Dhert, and A J Verbout.
• Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital Utrecht, G.05.228, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
• Skeletal Radiol. 1999 Aug 1; 28 (8): 433-43.

ObjectiveTo define the state of different structures of the fractured thoracolumbar spine which may play a role in the immediate and long-term mechanical stability on MR images and to investigate the relationship of these findings with the AO classification of spinal injuries.DesignThe state of the anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, posterior ligamentous complex, cranial and caudal endplates, cranial and caudal discs and the vertebral body were defined using clinical, experimental and radiological data. The state of these structures was reported for each fracture on the MRI examinations and the different MRI features appropriate for different fracture classes were defined.PatientsMRI examinations of 70 patients with 100 fractures of the thoracolumbar spine were used for this study.ResultsWide variations were seen in the state of the structures studied. We could not find a definite pattern to relate these findings with the AO classification scheme.ConclusionsMR findings should be integrated into future classification schemes of thoracolumbar spine fractures. This would enable specific data about the structures involved in the stability of the spine to be acquired. Prospective studies using the criteria developed in this study may help resolve some of the controversies concerning the diagnosis and prognosis of these injuries as well as the development of new classification systems.

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