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Topic:

​

Issue:

Spine

Category:

Trauma

Title:

Imaging Outcomes of MRI After CT in Pediatric Spinal Trauma: A Single-center Experience

Author:

Sirén, Aapo MD; Nyman, Mikko MD, PhD; Syvänen, Johanna MD, PhD; Mattila, Kimmo MD, PhD; Hirvonen, Jussi MD, PhD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

November/December 2024

Reference:

44(10): p e887-e893, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002765

Level Of Evidence:

III

# of Patients:

100

Study Type:

Retrospective observational study

Location:

Single-center study (exact location not mentioned)

Summary:

This study evaluates the diagnostic value of MRI performed after CT in pediatric spinal trauma. It finds that both CT and MRI are highly accurate in detecting unstable spinal injuries, but MRI does not provide significant additional value if CT is already adequately interpreted.

Methods:

Retrospective review of imaging data and medical records of pediatric patients who underwent both CT and MRI for suspected spinal trauma. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by comparing the findings to surgically treated injuries.

Exclusions:

None stated explicitly in the abstract.

Results:

Both CT and MRI identified all 7 surgically treated injuries, with MRI revealing more injuries, though none required surgical fixation. MRI could exclude unstable injuries after CT.

Conclusions:

MRI and CT are both highly accurate for detecting spinal injuries requiring surgery. MRI does not offer additional value when CT findings are adequately interpreted, especially for excluding unstable injuries.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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