Evaluation of Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injury in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Correlation Analysis of CT and MRI Findings

The study investigates the relationship between CT and MRI findings in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures, focusing on injuries to the posterior ligament complex (PLC). The PLC is crucial for spinal stability, and its damage influences surgical decisions. The research aims to identify specific characteristics of thoracolumbar burst fractures on CT scans that are associated with PLC injuries, potentially aiding in early detection and surgical planning. The study found that certain CT scan measurements, such as loss of vertebral body height, local kyphosis, and supraspinous distance, are significantly associated with PLC injuries, suggesting severe vertebral body destruction and traumatic kyphosis.

• 1
  Loss of vertebral body height, local kyphosis, and supraspinous distance were significantly higher in patients with PLC injuries.
• 2
  Multivariate logistic analysis showed significant associations between PLC injuries and local kyphosis and supraspinous distance.
• 3
  A cutoff value of 18.8 degrees for local kyphosis on CT scans was identified as an indicator of potential PLC injury.