I'm new here. and my MRI results just came out today please advise

[April Rustia]

We were in a vehicular accident 5weeks ago. The CT scan results said that i have cervical spine fractures specifically c1, c5, and burst-compression fracture. The neurosurgeon advised to undergo surgery and replace with discs. But my mother who is into naturopathy didnt agree to this. The neurosurgeon then advised us to have an MRI 5weeks after the accident. Here are the findings:

The decreased height of the c7 vertebral body is essentially similar. Minimal marrow edema signals are evident. There is also no apparent change in the degree of posterior fragment displacement of the burst-cimpression fracture of the c7 vertebral body. The corresponding central spinal canal remains mildly stenosed (0.85 cm) with effacement of the premedullary space and near contact of the spinal cord. The cord at this level is normal in position, configuration, size, and internal signals. The caudal nerve roots are not obviously affected. The lateral recesses and neuroforamina are not compromised.

The linear fracture in the left articular processes of c5 remains non-distracted

There is again normal appearance of the rest of the anterior and posterior bony elements, including the facet, uncovertebral and atlantoaxial joints, the atlantodental space is normal.
The other articulating vertebral end plates present smooth margins.
The intervertebral discs remain of normal height with homogeneous signals throughout.
There are no focal intradural lesions.
The ligamentum flavum and posterior longitudinal ligament are not hypertrophic.
The pre- and paraspinal soft tissues are unremarkable.
The usual cervical lordosis is straightened (cervical collar in place

Impressions:
Burst compression fracture of the c7vertebral body. The posteriorly displaced fragments are stationary
With unchanged degree of mild central canal stenosis. The premedullary space is effaced with near cord contact but no evident mylepathy.
The linear fracture in the left articular process of c5 remains undisplaced. -end-

Will appreciate your views and advise on this. Thanks!

[mmglobal]

Hi April, welcome to the forum. Sorry you find yourself in this situation.

What are your symptoms?

Do you have any neurologic deficits. Myelopathy?

Are you at risk for spinal cord damage?

Look here:

http://www.ispine.org/forum/ispine/4...y-success.html

All the best,

Mark

PS... I'm not suggesting that any other case applies to yours.