Towards a standardized reporting of the impact of magnetic resonance imaging on the decision-making of thoracolumbar fractures without neurological deficit: Conceptual framework and proposed methodology

Introduction

A recent meta-analysis showed that only four prior studies have shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can change the fracture classification in 17% and treatment decisions in 22% of cases. However, previous studies showed a wide methodological variability regarding the study population, the definition of posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury, and outcome measures.

Research question

How can we standardize the reporting of the impact of MRI for neurologically intact patients with thoracolumbar fractures?

Material and methods

All available literature regarding the impact of MRI on thoracolumbar fracture classification or decision-making were reviewed. Estimating the impact of MRI on the TLFs' classification is an exercise of analyzing the CTs' accuracy for PLC injury against MRI as a ''Gold standard''and should follow standardized checklists such as the Standards for the Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. Additionally, specific issues related to TLFs should be addressed.

Results

A standardized approach for reporting the impact of MRI in neurologically intact TLF patients was proposed. Regarding patient selection, restricting the inclusion of neurologically intact patients with A- and B-injuries is crucial. Image interpretation should be standardized regarding imaging protocol and appropriate criteria for PLC injury. The impact of MRI can be measured by either the rate of change in fracture classification or treatment decisions; the cons and pros of each measure is thoroughly discussed.

Discussion and conclusion

We proposed a structured methodology for examining the impact of MRI on neurologically intact patients with TLFs, focusing on appropriate patient selection, standardizing image analysis, and clinically relevant outcome measures.