Imaging diagnostics are an essential element in the evaluation of spine trauma. Over the last few decades, the rapid evolution of imaging technology has tremendously changed the assessment and treatment of spinal injuries. Imaging diagnostics utilizing CT and MRI, among others, are helpful in the acute and the chronic settings. Spinal cord and soft-tissue injuries are best evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, whereas computed tomography scanning, or CT scans, best evaluate spinal trauma or spine fracture. The purpose of the article below is to demonstrate the significance of imaging diagnostics in spine trauma.

Cervical Spine Fracture Evaluation
Practice Essentials
Approximately 5-10% of unconscious patients who present to the ED as the result of a motor vehicle accident or fall have a major injury to the cervical spine. Most cervical spine fractures occur predominantly at two levels: one-third of injuries occur at the level of C2, and one-half of injuries occur at the lev…

Imaging Diagnosis Management:Cervical spinal trauma & radiographic variants simulating diseaseCervical spineArthritisNeoplasmsInfectionPost-Surgical cervical spine
Cranio-cervical and upper cervical stability is dependent on transverse, superior and inferior bands of the C1-C2 ligament, alar ligaments, along with a few other ligaments


Cervical TraumaThe C/S is vulnerable to injury. Why?Stability has been sacrificed for greater mobilityCervical vertebrae are small and interrupted by multiple foraminaeThe head is disproportionately heavy and acts as an abnormal lever especially when forces act against a rigid torsoAdditionally, C/S is prone to degeneration which makes it more vulnerable to traumaIn young children, ligaments are more luxed vs. disproportionately large head sizeIn children, the fulcrum of movement is at C2/3 thus making injuries more common in the upper C/S and craniocervical junction. In children, S.C.I.W.O.R.A. may occur when no evidence of fracture presentIn adults…

Imaging diagnostics of the spine consist from radiographies to computed tomography scanning, or CT scans, in which CT is utilized in conjunction with myelography and most recently with magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. These imaging diagnostics are being used to determine the presence of abnormalities of the spine, scoliosis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. The following article describes various imaging modalities and their application in the evaluation of common spinal disorders described.

Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia is the most common cause of rhizomelic (root/proximal) short-limb dwarfism. Patients are of normal intelligence. It shows multiple distinct radiographic abnormalities affecting long bones, pelvis, skull, and hands.Vertebral column changes may present with significant clinical and neurological abnormalities. Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant disorder with about 80% of cases from a random new mutation. Advanced paternal age is often linked. Achondroplasia re…