MRI Evaluation of Collapsed Vertebrae

AIM& OBJECTIVES- To evaluate cases of collapsed vertebrae by MRI. To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging characteristics that will allow differentiation of compression fractures or vertebral lesions due to osteoporosis or tumour of both gender and age group. To determine difference between benign and malignant causes of vertebral collapse by MRI to help in treatment planning and surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS-64 Patients suffering from low backache and referred by clinicians and surgeons will be included in this prospective study. A structural proforma will be used to collect relevant information for each individual patient selected. RESULTS-The commonest cause of collapsed vertebrae was infective etiology, most common Dorsal level Apart from infective etiology, other causes of collapsed vertebrae like post traumatic, metastasis, senile degenerative changes were also diagnosed. CONCLUSION-From the present study it was concluded that MRI is one of the most comprehensive, non-invasive and safe imaging modality for early diagnosis of collapsed vertebrae. MRI using spin echo technique provides an excellent demonstration of the spine and the spinal cord. The ability to image the cord directly rather than indirectly as in myelography, the absence of bone artifact as in computed tomography, and the multiplanar capabilities shows that MRI should be the procedure of choice in the examination of cases of collapsed vertebrae. It can help in effective treatment planning to achieve better prognosis.