Subaxial spine arthrodesis in patients with spine fractures and facet joint dislocations: Is magnetic resonance imaging required to determine the optimal surgical approach?

BACKGROUND: The medical literature suggests that facet dislocations (FDs) must be managed surgically, even in the absence of spinal cord injury. In fact, there is no standard guideline for managing FD cases and whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be utilized for optimizing treatment planning. METHODS: Fifteen cases of FD were evaluated twice by nine spine surgeons. The first assessment included computed tomography (CT) images only. Secondarily, original CT studies were supplemented with MRI. In each case, the participating surgeon had to acknowledge whether and what surgical treatment they would offer. Data for the two responses from all nine surgeons were then compared. RESULTS: Based on CT images alone, there was no consensus regarding treatment choices in 13 cases, and a trend toward consensus in just two instances (κ = 0.01). When MRI scans were added to CT studies, among the 15 cases evaluated, 10 cases demonstrated a trend toward consensus, and in 1 case consensus was achieved. The Kappa interpersonal agreement based on MRI was 0.13. The analysis of the answers by each contributor in each case demonstrated that in 58.51% of cases the surgical treatment options were changed when analyzed by CT + MRI, in comparison to the options indicated based on CT alone. CONCLUSION: It appears that obtaining an MRI in addition to a CT before spine surgery for FD is essential mandatory, as it changed the treatment option in nearly 60% of cases.