Accuracy evaluation of MRI in detecting posterior ligament complex injury associated with thoracolumbar factures

VernacularTitle:MRI评估胸腰椎骨折后柱韧带复合体损伤的精确性研究
Author: Jianqiao XU ; Weifeng ZHOU ; Keqi ZHAO ; Songlin TONG ; Weishan CHEN
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Spinal injuries; Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Posterior ligamentous complex; Magnetic resonance imaging
From: Chinese Journal of Trauma 2014;30(2):156-159
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To investigate the consistency of M RI detecting posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury associated with thoracolumbar factures.Methods MRI data of 170 cases of thoracolumbar fractures were reviewed retrospectively.Each case underwent MRI around one week postinjury.MRI data were analyzed and compared by three physicians respectively to discuss the consistency in MRI detection of PLC injury and the severity of PLC injury.Results Kappa coefficient was 0.846 between observer 1 and 2,0.768 between observer 1 and 3,and 0.793 between observer 2 and 3.Interobserver reliability was high and overall Kappa coefficient was 0.803.Severity of PLC injury was interrelated with spinal cord nerve injury (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Accurate detection of PLC injury in thoracolumbar fractures is beneficial to clear the mechanical stability of the spine.MRI detection of PLC injury is of high consistency and hence deserves wide use.