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 occ

Imaging Diagnosis Management: Cervical spinal trauma & radiographic variants simulating disease Cervical spine Arthritis Neoplasms Infection Post-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 Trauma The C/S is vulnerable to injury. Why? Stability has been sacrificed for greater mobility Cervical vertebrae are small and interrupted by multiple foraminae The head is disproportionately heavy and acts as an abnormal lever especially when forces act against a rigid torso Additionally, C/S is prone to degeneration which makes it more vulnerable to trauma In young children, ligaments are more luxed vs. disproportionately large head size In 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 o

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.