MRI Findings of Vertebral Compression Fractures

Abstract

Common MR imaging features in fresh vertebral compression fractures (nontumorous conditions) include lowering of signal intensity on T1-weighted images and elevation of signal intensity on T2-weighted images. These signal changes occur all over the vertebral body in one half and partially in another half. Signal intensity does not change in the lamina, spinal process and intervertebral disc. In 25% of cases, the posterior part of the vertebral body bulges into the lumbar canal in MR imaging (this finding was not observed in plain X-ray). In cases of old fracture, no signal change was observed except for morphologic change. MR imaging was useful in deciding whether this fracture was fresh or not.