Spinal trauma

The basic diagnostic method of traumatic fracture of the spine is plain radiography, which can determine the degree of compression of the fracture segment and vertebral body, but it is sometimes difficult to determine the actual extent and extent of the fracture. As a result of missed diagnosis, it may not be clear that the fracture piece protrudes into the spinal canal. CT examination should be performed in the following cases: (1) spinal fractures with neurological signs; (2) signs of involvement of the anterior, middle, and posterior three-pillar structures on plain radiographs; (3) severe deformities, especially multi-segment fractures; 4) For patients with cervical trauma, because the patient cannot cooperate well, if the shoulder joint and the lower cervical vertebrae overlap or have difficulty in opening the mouth, a CT examination must be performed to avoid missed diagnosis. Clinical practice has proved that CT has an important role in evaluating spinal traumatic fractures. CT can fully show spine fractures, fracture types, fracture fragment displacement, spinal canal deformation and stenosis, spinal canal bone fragments, disc herniation, and paravertebral hematomas. Three-dimensional reconstruction observation after scanning with a layer thickness of 2mm and intervals of 2mm, especially sagittal reconstruction, can more intuitively display spinal fractures, dislocation fractures, and spinal cord and nerve root involvement. In addition, the CT examination only needs to take the supine position, without having to move the patient too much, which is more safe and applicable for patients with traumatic spinal fractures.

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