Neuroimaging of the Traumatic Spine.

The article summarizes classification schemes of spinal trauma and rules to decide on proper imaging modality after a spinal trauma. High-risk factors that recommend imaging are, for instance, age 65 years or older, a dangerous trauma mechanism, and paresthesia in the extremities. More recent classification schemes include evaluation of the posterior ligamentous complex, for which MR imaging is the best modality, and to give therapeutic recommendations for conservative or surgical management. MR imaging is the imaging method of choice when spinal cord injury, cord compression, or ligamentous injury is suspected. MR imaging is the method of choice to depict epidural or intramedullary hemorrhage and sequelae of spinal trauma.