Thoracolumbar fractures without neurological deficits: is CT scan and MRI necessary?

Plain radiograph is an essential investigation in diagnosing patients who have an injury to the thoracolumbar spine. The earlier classification of thoracolumbar fractures was mainly based on plain radiographs where the bony structures or injury can clearly be identified. Later CT scan becomes more important in the assessment of thoracolumbar injury where the spinal osseo-ligamentous injury can clearly be identified and provides more information for patient management. However, the important soft tissue components which contribute to the stability of the thoracolumbar spine need to be addressed with other methods of radiological investigation such as MRI. Both investigations are important and beneficial in the management of thoracolumbar fractures without neurological deficit and with their own specific indications