This patient had a CT to check for any other internal injuries. What would be the next imaging investigation in this case?
MRI is the best modality for imaging the spinal canal and cord.
What is important to check for prior to requesting a MRI for any patient?
Most departments have a safety checklist for you to perform on the ward. This is also repeated in the radiology department prior to scanning. Having metal in the body can act as a contraindication to MRI (which involves magnetic fields moving protons in the body). Modern medical interventions are "MRI safe" but joint replacement, cardiac valves, cochlear implants etc. should be discussed with radiology departments.
Severe fracture of L2 vertebral body with narrowing of spinal canal.
Also bilateral transverse process fractures of L2 and small fracture of L3 body.
Disruption of vertebral alignment.