The objective of this investigation is to confirm the results obtained in a pilot study showing that certain radiological parameters based on computed tomography (CT) scans seem to reliably detect posterior ligament complex (PLC) injury without the need for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Integrity of posterior ligament complex (PLC) has an important bearing on the treatment strategies for thoracolumbar (TL) fractures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard to confirm PLC injury. The routine use of MRI has its limitations especially since in most trauma centers MRI is not the primary assessment for TL fractures due to reduced availability, increased cost and its adverse applicability in trauma setting and in case of a polytrauma. In contrast computed tomography (CT) scans are an integral part of trauma evaluation protocols, are accurate in spine fracture diagnosis and are performed in less time, making them suitable to assess polytrauma scenarios. In a recent pilot study, a number of radiological parameters based on CT scans have shown to reliably detect PLC injury when compared to MRI. The aim of the study is to reconfirm and validate these CT based parameters to assess PLC injury compared to MRI.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Radiological evaluation will be performed in already existing imaging exams. Superior-inferior end plate angle (SIEA), vertebral body height (BH), local kyphosis (LK), inter-spinous distance (ISD) and inter-pedicular distance (IPD) will be measured in CT scans and radiographs (if available). PLC injury will be determinated with the gold standard method (MRI).
The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University
Hangzhou, China
Assiut Universtiy Hospitals
Asyut, Egypt
Ganga Hospital
Coimbatore, India
Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital
Uijeongbu-si, South Korea
Sensitivity of Local kyphosis (LK) and/or Inter-spinous distanceI (SD)
Sensitivity of LK and/or ISD Is defined as the proportion of patients with PLC injury correctly diagnosed by an increase in LK and/or ISD difference compared to MRI. The Specificity si defined as the proportion of patients with PLC injury correctly diagnosed by an increase in LK and/or ISD difference compared to MRI. The gold standard is a diagnostic test and it is the best accepted test that is assumed to be able to determine the true disease state. It is considered as the reference method or the best test available.
Time frame: CT scans, MRI and x-rays were taken on admission into hospital after the patient got a thoracolumbar fracture. These images will be retrospectively analyzed (eligible images are from the date of the fracture up to 3 days after the event).
Sensitivity and specificity of superior-inferior end plate angle (SIEA)
Is defined as the proportion of patients with PLC injury correctly diagnosed by a increase in SIEA compared to MRI.
Time frame: CT scans, MRI and x-rays were taken on admission into hospital after the patient got a thoracolumbar fracture. These images will be retrospectively analyzed (eligible images are from the date of the fracture up to 3 days after the event).
Sensitivity and specificity of vertebral body height (BH)
Is defined as the proportion of patients with PLC injury correctly diagnosed by an decrease in BH compared to MRI.
Time frame: CT scans, MRI and x-rays were taken on admission into hospital after the patient got a thoracolumbar fracture. These images will be retrospectively analyzed (eligible images are from the date of the fracture up to 3 days after the event).
Sensitivity and specificity of inter-pedicular distance (IPD)
Is defined as the proportion of patients with PLC injury correctly diagnosed by a increase in IPD compared to MRI.
Time frame: CT scans, MRI and x-rays were taken on admission into hospital after the patient got a thoracolumbar fracture. These images will be retrospectively analyzed (eligible images are from the date of the fracture up to 3 days after the event).
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Royal Victoria Hospital
Belfast, United Kingdom