Is magnetic resonance imaging needed for decision making diagnosis and treatment of thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures?

Purpose: The radiological examination including plain radiography, CT and MRI are critical to assess the severity of the instability, to diagnose the fracture type and to select the appropriate treatment strategy for the thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures. The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate the effect of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on decision making for the diagnosis and treatment of acute thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures.

Methods: Consecutive 180 patients with acute thoracic and/or lumbar vertebral fractures were included in the study.