 Images are moderately limited by patient motion. Axial T1-weighted images images are not available to the lumbar spine.There is stable mild concavity of the superior endplate of T12, with redemonstration of associated T2/STIR hyperintensity and T1 hypointensity. Mild STIR hyperintensity persists within the interspinous ligament posteriorly which may indicate ligamentous strain. More anteriorly in the interspinous space, there is no significant abnormal signal. Small area of linear T1 hypointensity is again seen just along the superior aspect of the spinous process, consistent with the minimally displaced spinous process cortical fragment.The known superior articulating process fracture fragment is not well delineated on this MRI. Edema is also noted in the minimally displaced smaller anterior superior vertebral body fracture fragment. There is only trace convexity of the dorsal cortex of the vertebral body without significant retropulsion of fracture fragments. There is perhaps mild right foraminal narrowing secondary to the displaced superior articular process fragment. There is also mild prevertebral soft tissue edema and effusion at this level. STIR hyperintensity within the paraspinal musculature extending down to the L3 level bilaterally. There is also fluid signal within the deep subcutaneous fat of the lower back.The spine is in normal alignment. There is mild disc desiccation from C3-C4 through C5-C6. The vertebral body and disk heights are otherwise well-maintained. No worrisome focal marrow signal abnormality is appreciated. The spinal cord is of normal caliber and signal, although axial T2-weighted images through the cervical spine are limited by artifact. Apparent increased signal along the left aspect of the cord at the lower T11 level does not demonstrate corresponding abnormality on sagittal images and likely artifactual.At C4-C5, there is a right paramedian central disc protrusion which indents the ventral thecal sac.At C5-C6, there is a mild disc bulge without stenosis.There is no significant disk bulge, herniation, spinal canal or foraminal stenosis within the remainder of the spine. There is mild fluid opacification of visualized left mastoid air cells.
1. Redemonstration of mild acute compression deformity of T12 superiorly with a few associated displaced fracture fragments as detailed above, including a small bone fragment along the inferior aspect of the right foramen resulting in perhaps mild foraminal narrowing. No significant retropulsion of fracture fragments. Mild interspinous ligament strain at T11-T12.2. No MR evidence of cord compression.3. Motion limited exam, especially through the cervical spine.