The hallmark of the examination is the presence of translation-rotation fractures involving T8 & T9 vertebrae evident by:
- T8-9 unilateral left facet joint perching with subsequent vertebral slippage of T8 over T9 vertebrae and a small retropulsed bone fragment detached from the posterior inferior aspect of T8
- secondary comminuted wedge fracture of T9 vertebra, associated with bilateral pars fractures of T9
- fractures of T8 & T9 spinous processes.
- torn ligamenta flavum, interspinous, supraspinous ligaments, being replaced by edema signal
The spinal cord opposite T8 and T9 level show abnormal high T1&T2 intramedullary signal, representing cord contusion.
T8-9 central posterior disc protrusion indenting the theca.
Fractures of the left 4th, 5th, 6th 8th and 10th rib heads at their vertebral attachments.
Fracture of the left transverse process of T5, T7, T10 and T11 vertebrae and the left superior articular process of T11 and right superior articular process of T12.
N.B: Bilateral marked pleural effusions (hemothoraces) with underlying collapse.