Sagittal fast spin-echo inversion-recovery MR image (TR/TE, 3000/51; inversion time, 140 msec) obtained on 1.5-T MR scanner shows burst fracture of C7 (1), prevertebral edema or hemorrhage (2), flaval (3) and interspinous ligament tears (4), with associated distraction of dorsal spines and spinal cord contusion (5).

Most cervical spine fractures occur predominantly at two levels. One third of injuries occur at the level of C2, and one half of injuries occur at the level of C6 or C7. In this overview we will discuss the most common cervical spine injuries.

MRI is a critical follow-up study in patients with severe trauma to the cervical spine. MRI is the modality of choice for the assessment of extra-osseous injuries such as epidural haematomas and ligamentous disruption in patients with negative CT studies but a high index of suspicion for injury.

The Denver screening criteria has been used to identify the patients at risk for vascular injuries and includes C1–C3 fractures, fracture of the cervical spine extending into a foramen transversarium, cervical spine subluxation, Le Fort II or III facial fractures, basilar skull base fractures involving the carotid canal, diffuse axonal injury ...

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been playing an increasingly important role in the spinal trauma patients due to high sensitivity for detection of acute soft tissue and cord injuries. More and more patients are undergoing MRI for spinal trauma ...