Skeletal radiology
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To 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. ⋯ MR 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.