High STIR signal in the C6 vertebra with loss of vertebral body height in keeping with the known compression fracture with sagittal fracture cleft. There is minor anterior narrowing of the spinal canal at this level but canal remains capacious with no cord compression. The cord is expanded at this level with T2 hyperintensity extending craniocaudally over 19 mm.
The ligamentum flavum is discontinuous at the C5/6 level, and at C6 the posterior longitudinal ligament is also difficult to define.
Bony oedema corresponding to C3 - C5 posterior element fractures. There is extensive posterior paraspinal muscle oedema. There is further superior endplate marrow oedema at C7 and T1 although no height loss is demonstrated on CT.
Extensive oedema of the interspinous ligaments and paraspinal muscles at C5 to T1. Normal facet joint alignment bilaterally.
Normal intervertebral discs. No epidural haemorrhage.
Opinion:
C6 compression/sagittal fracture involving posterior elements. PLL and ligamentum flavum discontinuity.
Posterior element fractures C3-C5.
Cord contusion at C6 level.