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Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in spinal trauma in 29 consecutive patients

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Abstract

Purpose

Indication for surgery in spine trauma patients depends on the extent of destruction of the spine. Computer-assisted tomography scan (CAT scan) is not suitable to diagnose type B-injuries. Aim of the study was to investigate whether ultrasound is able to detect destruction of the posterior ligament complex (PLC).

Methods

Twenty-nine patients were included. The results of ultrasound were compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CAT scan, X-ray, intraoperative findings. Statistical analysis was carried out by an independent observer.

Results

In 27 cases both ultrasound and MRI had the same result. In two cases, ultrasound failed to detect ligamentous injury. The sensitivity of ultrasound was 0.82 (CI 0.48–0.98), its specificity: 1. MRI and Ultrasound findings had a strong positive correlation (phi = 0.85, Cohen’s kappa: 0.85, with 95 % confidence interval 0.65–1) and a high significance (Fischer’s exact test: p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Ultrasound may indicate rupture or integrity of PLC in cases where MRI is missing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Spine Surgery, SRH Klinikum Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Karlsbad, Germany

    H. Meinig & T. Pitzen

  2. Department of Anaesthesia, Sana Kliniken, Bad Wildbad, Germany

    J. Döffert

  3. Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy of the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany

    N. Linz & M. A. Konerding

  4. Department for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Mittelrhein, Koblenz, Germany

    E. Gercek

Authors
  1. H. Meinig
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  2. J. Döffert
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  3. N. Linz
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  4. M. A. Konerding
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  5. E. Gercek
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  6. T. Pitzen
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Correspondence to H. Meinig.

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Meinig, H., Döffert, J., Linz, N. et al. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in spinal trauma in 29 consecutive patients. Eur Spine J 24, 864–870 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3596-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3596-0

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