Ultrasound assessment of injury to posterior ligamentous complex in patients with mild thoracolumbar fracture

Objective To assess predictive value of ultrasound diagnostics to posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) in patients with mild thoracolumbar fracture.Methods Twenty-one candidates were selected,and ultrasound examination was performed over the whole thoracolumbar region by an experienced sonographer.A team included 2 orthopedic surgeons and one sonographer to process the ultrasound assessment information.The findings of ultrasound and MRI were evaluated respectively,and conflicts in results were decided by a majority vote.Results Abnormal echo in SSL or ISL under ultrasound evaluation was detected in all the 21 patients.Three cases were diagnosed as having rupture of supraspinous ligament.85.7％ ISL injuries were detected caudally to the injured veterbrae.Among the 6 patients undergoing MRI examination simultaneously,sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound examination were higher than MRI examination.Conclusion Ultrasound can be a reliable diagnostic method to PLC in patients with mild thoracolumbar fracture.With its high sensitivity and feasibility,ultrasound can be used as an alternative golden standard in PLC injury diagnosis. Key words: Thoracolumbar fracture ;  Ultrasound ;  Ligament