MRI Findings of Posterior Ligament Complex Injury in Thorcolumbar Bursting Fractures

Purpose: To investigate the MR findings of structures injured in the burst fractures of thoracolumbar spine. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients who had thoracolumbar burst fractures with posterior ligament complex injury on MRI were studied. For the evaluation of stability of fractures, we used the scheme described by Oner et al. We identified the state of posterior ligament complex on surgery. Results: The MRI findings of ALL were state 1 in four, state 2 in fourteen, and state 3 in three. Those of PLL were state 1 in twelve, state 2 in six, and state 3 in three. The findings of posterior ligament complex were state 2 in one, state 3 in three, and state 4 in seventeen. The endplate state 1 was in four, state 2 in six, state 3 in seven, and state 4 in four. The disc state 1 was in twelve, state 2 in six, state 3 in two, state 4 in one. The vertebral body involvement state was 1 in four, state 2 in nine, and state 3 in eight. The injuries of posterior ligament complex were confirmed intraoperatively in all twenty-one patients. Conclusion: We recommend the use of MRI to evaluate stability of fractures and state of posterior ligament complex in thoracolumbar burst fractures.