Spinal trauma in DISH and AS: Is MRI essential following the detection of vertebral fractures on CT?

Biomechanical stability of the spine is altered in patients with a rigid spine, such as those with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), rendering it vulnerable to fracture even after seemingly innocuous events such as low energy falls from standing or sitting [1,2]. CT and MRI are often recommended for both AS and DISH after a traumatic event [3]. The management of spinal fractures with DISH or AS has generally not been distinguished, with operative stabilization recommended for unstable injuries involving both the vertebral body and posterior elements.

Source: The Spine Journal - October 29, 2020 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Nandish G Shah, Abhishek Keraliya, Mitchel B Harris, Christopher M Bono, Bharti Khurana Tags: Clinical Study Source Type: research