Hyperextension vertebral body fractures in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: a cause of intravertebral fluidlike collections on MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: We describe an intravertebral fluidlike collection observed on MR images in five of six patients who sustained vertebral body fracture through a segment of the spine ankylosed by diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. The mechanism of injury, clinical course, conventional radiographs, CT scans, and other MR imaging findings are analyzed.

CONCLUSION: Intravertebral fluidlike collections were associated with hyperextension injury of the spine. Well-delineated borders, anterior widening, and associated posterior-element injury are the main MR imaging characteristics of this trauma-related intravertebral fluidlike collection.