Abstract
Traumatic myelopathy is a frequent complication after spinal trauma. The prognosis
is often very poor, and the condition has important socioeconomic consequences. Knowledge
of the epidemiology and imaging features is mandatory to ensure correct diagnosis
and timely intervention. Imaging studies play an increasing role in the diagnosis
and follow-up of this condition. Computed tomography remains the first-line investigation
whenever spinal cord injury is suspected. It may indicate the presence of spinal cord
lesions by visualizing vertebral lesions, but it cannot assess the spinal cord itself.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can depict possible spinal cord edema, hemorrhage,
or transection, and it is essential in diagnosing and predicting the outcome of spinal
cord injury. Follow-up should also be performed with MRI to evaluate long-term intramedullary
changes. Diffusion-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging are promising new
techniques that allow very early detection of spinal cord injury by measuring the
diffusion within the spinal cord, thereby providing information on white matter integrity.
However, technical limitations of these new techniques prompt further investigation
to improve specificity.
Keywords
traumatic myelopathy - radiography - computed tomography - magnetic resonance imaging
- spine
