CT versus MRI in diagnosing ligamental injury in adults with a vertebral corpus fracture

Best evidence shows magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive for detecting ligamental injury than computed tomography. However the use of magnetic resonance imaging as a standard screening method is not necessary in all patients with spinal injury. Best available evidence concludes that magnetic resonance imaging has limited clinical value when used in combination with computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging should probably only be used when there is doubt regarding the diagnosis of ligamental injury after computed tomography.