Demographics:
40 years old, Male
Indication:
Trauma, no fracture on CT
Findings
- Trace retrolisthesis and focal kyphosis at T8-T9 with narrowing of the anterior aspect of the disc space
- Ill-defined area of STIR signal hyperintensity in the left aspect of the T9 superior endplate
- T2/STIR signal hyperintensity in the ligamentum flavum, bilateral facet joints, and interspinous and supraspinous ligaments at T8-T9
- Inferiorly dissecting central disc extrusion at T8-T9, which effaces the ventral CSF and contacts the ventral cord, resulting in mild spinal canal stenosis
- Resultant uplifting and possible focal disruption of the posterior longitudinal ligament at the level of T8-T9
- Possible focal disruption of the anterior longitudinal ligament at the level of the T8 inferior endplate
- No cord signal abnormality
- Background mild multilevel disc desiccation and height loss
- Small posterior disc herniation at T4-T5 without significant spinal canal stenosis
Diagnosis
Thoracic spine ligamentous and facet capsular injury
Sample Report
Flexion-distraction injury at T8-T9 with likely disruption of the anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, and ligamentum flavum at this level, bilateral facet capsular injury, and interspinous and supraspinous ligament injury.
Nondepressed impaction fracture in the left aspect of the T9 superior endplate.
Traumatic disc extrusion at T8-T9, which contacts the ventral cord and results in mild spinal canal stenosis.
No cord signal abnormality.
No significant epidural collection.
Discussion