European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging is of utmost importance in patients subjected to spine trauma and especially who had neurological deficits. The significance of MRI is attributed to its capability to assess discs, neural elements, and posterior ligamentous complex which is crucial in surgical decision making. TLICS classification system was newly introduced to help surgeons in decision making based on three main characteristics which are; injury morphology, posterior ligamentous complex status, and patient’s neurological status. Results: This retrospective study was conducted on 35 Patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures referred to the MRI unit from the ER and the neurosurgery department at our hospital. By utilizing MRI in acute spine trauma and by doing TLICS score radiologically without inclusion of neurological status, 18 patients were subjected to surgical intervention, 17 patients are treated conservatively, achieved sensitivity 77.2%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100 and negative predictive value 77. Conclusion: The TLICS classification is a recent grading scale which radiologists should use to assess and report acute spine trauma and to help surgeons for decision making. Comprehensive MRI report with TLICS score is what surgeons really want to know.