Clinical outcome following magnetic resonance imaging as first-line imaging in low-impact pediatric spine trauma: a single-center retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND: Pediatric spinal trauma is rare, but the consequences of a missed injury can be devastating. Medical imaging is often needed in addition to physical examination. Conventional radiographs are widely recommended, but their negative predictive value is limited. Computed tomography (CT) is more sensitive but has a higher radiation dose. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has superior soft tissue contrast and lacks ionizing radiation, but it is more expensive and time-consuming. Thus, the debate regarding the most suitable imaging method is still ongoing. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the ability of MRI to exclude injuries requiring surgical treatment as a first-line imaging method in low-impact pediatric spine trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and imaging data of children (under 18 years old) who had suspected spinal trauma and were scanned using MRI in our emergency radiology department over a period of 8 years. We assessed the ability of MRI to detect unstable injuries by searching for later occurrences of primarily missed injuries requiring surgery. RESULTS: Of 396 patients (median age 12 years, range 0–17), 114 (29%) had MRI findings suggesting an acute injury. Bony injuries were detected in 78 patients (20%) and ligamentous or other soft tissue injuries in 82 patients (21%). In the subgroup of 376 patients (median age 12 years, range 0–17) with at least 6 months of clinical follow-up, no missed injuries demanding surgical intervention or immobilization occurred after spinal MRI as first-line imaging. No adverse events related to MRI or anesthesia occurred. CONCLUSION: MRI can detect injuries requiring surgical treatment as a first-line imaging method in suspected low-impact pediatric spinal trauma and is safe to use in this selected population. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00247-023-05721-7.