Case 1: Vertebral fractures L4 L5
MRI can be useful for looking for acute marrow oedema in vertebral fractures.
Not all bright signal is going to be infection (discitis/osteomyelitis)
Case 2: Burst fracture with retropulsion
Fractures already seen on CT.
MRI to assess: (1) any cord compression (2) epidural hematoma needing evacuation (3) ligamentous integrity eg posterior complex
MRI has cord oedema, trace epidural hematoma, intact ligaments posteriorly
Case 3: Torn posterior ligamentous complex