Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the relationship between type of vertebral fracture and degree of spinal cord injury.MethodsMRI signs of 200 cases of thoracolumbar SCI were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsAmong all cases, 49 cases were with compressed fracture, 60 cases with burst fracture, 79 cases with fracture and dislocation, 158 cases with angle formed posteriorly. The number of cases with complete SCI were respectively 14 cases, 39 cases, 54 cases and 94 cases.Conclusions Common sites of thoracolumbar SCI. were at T₁₂ and L₁ level (123 cases, 74%). The degree of SCI was related to the type of vertebral fracture. The complete SCI occurred most frequently in patients with burst fracture and patients with fracture and dislocation, the incidence of the latter was higher.

Key words: magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), spinal cord injury, vertebral fracture