Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Spinal trauma is a critical medical condition requiring accurate diagnosis and timely intervention to prevent long‐term morbidity and mortality. Advanced imaging modalities such as Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) play a pivotal role in evaluating spinal injuries. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of MDCT and MRI in diagnosing and managing various types of spinal trauma. To assess and compare the diagnostic capabilities of MDCT and MRI in evaluating spinal trauma and their role in determining clinical outcomes. This cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, over one year (June 2021 to May 2022). The study included patients referred for MDCT or MRI following spinal trauma. Data were collected on clinical history, neurological deficits and imaging findings, including vertebral fractures, spinal cord injuries and ligaments damage. Ethical clearance was obtained and informed consent was secured from all participants. MDCT was found superior in detecting bony abnormalities, such as vertebral compression and burst fractures (sensitivity: 95%), while MRI demonstrated higher sensitivity for soft tissue injuries, including spinal cord contusions (sensitivity: 90%). MRI also effectively identified posterior ligaments complex injuries and bone marrow edema, which were less distinct on MDCT. The combination of MDCT and MRI yielded the most comprehensive diagnostic insights. MDCT and MRI serve complementary roles in evaluating spinal trauma. While MDCT is more effective for bony injuries, MRI excels in assessing soft tissue and spinal cord abnormalities. The choice of imaging modality should be tailored to the clinical context to optimize patient outcomes.
How to cite this article:
Darpana Kalita, Deep Kumar Roy, Rupak Bhuyan and Aniruddha Basu. Optimizing Patient Outcomes: A Comparative Evaluation of MDCT and MRI in Spinal Trauma Management.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.599.607
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.599.607