Introduction: Spinal trauma is commonly seen in RTA cases, sport injuries, assaults etc. MRI is an excellent diagnostic modality for evaluation of spinal trauma. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate role of MRI as a patient’s non-invasive diagnostic tool in acute and chronic spinal trauma and comparison of these findings with patient’s neurological status and clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: This was descriptive study with 85 cases carried out over a period of 10 months in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, CAIMS, and Karimnagar. Results: In present study, the total number of patients was 85 and the male to female ratio was 3:1, age ranged between 11 to 80. Cervical spine is the most commonly involved. RTA and fall from height are the most common causes of spinal injury. Cord compression and hemorrhage are most common type seen whereas cord edema has better prognosis. Cord transection and hemorrhage had worst neurological outcome. Conclusion: MRI is the modality of choice for evaluation of spinal trauma. MRI is the only tool available for depicting the changes within the cord, ligaments and paraspinal soft tissues which helps in the management of the patients and in predicting the prognosis of recovery.

Introduction: Spinal trauma is commonly seen in RTA cases, sport injuries, assaults etc. MRI is an excellent diagnostic modality for evaluation of spinal trauma. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate role of MRI as a patient’s non-invasive diagnostic tool in acute and chronic spinal trauma and comparison of these findings with patient’s neurological status and clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: This was descriptive study with 85 cases carried out over a period of 10 months in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, CAIMS, and Karimnagar. Results: In present study, the total number of patients was 85 and the male to female ratio was 3:1, age ranged between 11 to 80. Cervical spine is the most commonly involved. RTA and fall from height are the most common causes of spinal injury. Cord compression and hemorrhage are most common type seen whereas cord edema has better prognosis. Cord transection and hemorrhage had worst neurological outcome. Conclusion: MRI is the modality of choice for evaluation of spinal trauma. MRI is the only tool available for depicting the changes within the cord, ligaments and paraspinal soft tissues which helps in the management of the patients and in predicting the prognosis of recovery.