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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Trunk Musculature and Intervertebral Discs in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury with Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures: A Prospective Study

Asian Spine Journal, 2020 · DOI: 10.31616/asj.2019.0003 · Published: December 1, 2020

Spinal Cord InjuryMedical ImagingMusculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) with thoracic and lumbar fractures on trunk muscles and intervertebral discs using MRI. Patients with traumatic SCIs underwent MRI scans at admission and 3–6 months later to assess changes in trunk and disc parameters. The study found that spinal trauma leads to changes in the morphology of the vertebral column, spinal cord, intervertebral discs, and paraspinal muscles.

Study Duration
June 2015 to December 2017
Participants
51 patients with traumatic SCI
Evidence Level
Level II, Prospective clinical study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Significant decreases were observed in disc parameters (disc angle, skin angle, CSA, disc height) and trunk parameters (trunk width, trunk depth, CSA of lumbar muscles) during the first 3 months after SCI.
  • 2
    Improvements were observed in disc and muscle parameters at the 6-month follow-up, but these parameters did not fully recover to normal levels.
  • 3
    Neither initial neurological status nor the type of management (operative vs. conservative) significantly affected these parameters.

Research Summary

This prospective study evaluated trunk musculature and intervertebral discs in SCI patients with thoracolumbar fractures using MRI. The study revealed significant decreases in disc and trunk parameters in the initial phase after SCI, followed by some improvements at 6 months. The study concludes that spinal trauma leads to alterations in spinal structures, and rehabilitation may improve these parameters.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Emphasizes the importance of early rehabilitation to improve disc and muscle parameters after spinal cord injury.

Neurological Assessment

Highlights the need to monitor changes in vertebral column, spinal cord, intervertebral discs, and paraspinal muscle morphology.

Further Research

Calls for future studies to evaluate the exact causes of alterations and potential benefits of rehabilitation strategies.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Short follow-up period (6 months)
  • 2
    Small sample size, particularly the number of patients with complete SCI
  • 3
    All patients underwent open pedicle screw fixation, limiting comparison with other surgical techniques

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