Abstract: Introduction: The relevance of MR image parameters for predicting the risk and severity of acute SCI in patients after a minor trauma to the cervical spine has not yet been established. The aim of the present study was to investigate the spinal canal diameter and the space available for the cord at the level of the intervertebral disc in patients suffering from acute cervical SCI after a minor trauma to the cervical spine.
Materials & Methods: On the magnetic resonance images the following parameters were recorded: sagittal diameter of the vertebral body, the sagittal outer diameter of the subarachnoid space at the midpoint of the vertebra, the sagittal outer diameter of the subarachnoid space at the level of the intervertebral disc, and the sagittal diameter of the spinal cord at the levels C2 and T1.
Results: it was found that there were significant and positive correlations between investigated parameters (i.e., mid vertebral and disc-level canal diameters, TPR-MRI). No significant correlations between any of the parameters and height or weight were detected. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between any of the parameters and the ASIA motor or sensory score.
Conclusions: Assessment of the number of segments of the spinal cord involved, by MR Imaging is helpful in predicting the prognosis of the patient. Present study states that patient at risk of acute SCI after minor trauma can be identified by applying a disc level canal.
