J Korean Radiol Soc.  1992 Jun;28(3):429-434.

Benign compression fractures of the spine: signal patterns

• Ryu KN
• Choi WS
• Lee SW
• Lim JH

Abstract

Fifteen patients with 38 compression fractures of the spine underwent magnetic resonance(MR) imaging. We retrospectively evaluated MR images in these benign compression fractures. MR images showed four patterns in T1-weighted images. MR imaging patterns were normal signal(21), band like low signal(8), low signal with preservation of peripheral portion of the body(8), and diffuse low signal through the vertebral body(1). The low signal portions were changed to high signal intensities in T2-weighted images. In 7 of 15 patients(11 compression fractures). There was a history of trauma, and the remaining 8 patients(27 compression fractures) had no history of trauma. Benign compression fractures of trauma, remained 8 patients(27 compression fractures) were non-traumatic. Benign compression fractures of the spine reveal variable signal intensities in MR imagings. These patterns of benign compression fractures may be useful in interpretation of MR imagings of the spine.

MeSH Terms

Fractures, Compression*
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Retrospective Studies
Spine*