Thoracic spine fractures

There is T12 vertebral body compression with approximately 30% loss of height.

A fracture line extends in oblique axial plane through vertebral body, left pedicle, lamina, pars and base of spinous process.

Subtle fracture through the right T12 transverse process.

Trabecular distortion suggests undisplaced fracture through right pedicle. There is also a fracture through the tip of the T12 spinous process.

The T8 superior endplate compression fracture may be chronic.

The numerous gas locules posterior to right diaphragmatic crus and to right of aorta in lower mediastinum are geographically in proximity to the T12 vertebral body fracture.

Further tiny locules are noted adjacent to the fractured right T12 transverse process. Thee have likely tracked from the pleural cavity

In conclusion, 3 column spinal injury at T12.

MRI Thoracic Spine (trauma protocol)

At T12 there is a fracture line through the left side of the vertebral body in association with a marrow edema pattern. No retropulsed bone fragments. Fracture is also seen in the right transverse process. 

Multiple other sites of a bone marrow edema pattern are seen including within the T4 superior endplate, T9, and the L1 superior endplate.

At T9 there is loss of height of the superior endplate with edema extending into the right pedicle at this level.

There is wedging of the T8 vertebral body without marrow edema, indicating an old injury.

The vertebral canal is capacious at all levels. No epidural hematoma. Spinal cord signal is normal.

Bilateral pleural effusions are noted, larger on the left and moderate on the right associated compressive atelectasis of the underlying lungs.

Conclusion:

T12 three-column fracture . Changes at T4, T9 and L1 are suspicious for acute crush fractures.