UNVEILING THE INVISIBLE: ADVANCED MRI TECHNIQUES FOR PRECISE EVALUATION OF SPINE AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Abstract Spinal trauma and associated spinal cord injuries (SCI) necessitate precise evaluation for effective diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as a powerful tool in this context, offering superior soft tissue visualization compared to other imaging modalities. This study aimed to investigate the utility of advanced MRI techniques in assessing spinal trauma and SCI, focusing on their ability to identify specific injury characteristics and predict neurological outcomes. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 36 patients with suspected spinal injuries who underwent MRI scans. Various MRI sequences, including T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and STIR imaging, were employed to evaluate spinal abnormalities and associated neurological impacts. MRI findings revealed a spectrum of spinal pathologies, with disc bulging being the most prevalent (50%), followed by disc protrusion (16%) and lumbar spondylosis with multilevel disc bulges (14%). Traumatic injuries, including compression fractures and vertebral collapse, were also identified. Notably, cord edema visualised on MRI was associated with promising neurological recovery, while cord contusion or hemorrhage indicated poorer outcomes. Advanced MRI techniques play a crucial role in the comprehensive assessment of spinal trauma and SCI. The ability of MRI to visualise soft tissue structures, identify specific injury patterns, and predict neurological outcomes underscores its significance in guiding clinical decision-making and optimising patient management.