How frequently MRI modifies thoracolumbar fractures' classification or decision-making? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Mohamed M AlyYoussef SolimanRmy A ElemamJavier PizonesAhmed AlzahraniSherif ElwatidyPublished in: European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society (2024)
MRI can significantly change the thoracolumbar classification and decision-making, primarily due to upgrading type A to type B fractures and changing from conservative to surgery, respectively. These findings suggest that MRI could change decision-making sufficiently to justify its use for TLFs. Type A subtypes, indeterminate PLC status, and spine regions might help to predict a change in TLFs' classification. However, more studies are needed to confirm the association of these variables with changes in treatment decisions to set the indications of MRI in neurologically intact patients with TLFs. An interactive version of our analysis can be accessed from here: https://databoard.shinyapps.io/mri_spine/ .