ASSESSSMENT OF CERVICAL MRI FINDINGS IN TRAUMATIC INJURY CASES AT SOKOTO STATE ADVANCED MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

Abstract

Cervical spine injuries (CSIs) are among the most debilitating musculoskeletal traumas, often resulting in significant morbidity or death. Identifying the relationship between trauma mechanisms and injury severity is essential for effective triage and prevention. This study provides empirical data on CSI patterns diagnosed via MRI at the State Advanced Medical Diagnostic Center in Sokoto State. The primary objectives were to identify the most common radiological findings in traumatic patients and to determine the distribution of these injuries based on patient demographics, specifically age and gender, to help healthcare providers optimize clinical management. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was conducted on 57 patients who underwent cervical spine MRI. Data including age, gender, trauma mechanism, and radiological findings were extracted from medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic and clinical data. Results The study population had a mean age of 41.23 ± 15.46 years, with the 26–43 age group being the most affected (38.6%). A strong male predominance was observed (73.7%). The most prevalent MRI findings were alignment abnormalities (80.7%), followed by spinal cord injury (73.6%), spinal canal stenosis (49.1%), and spondylolisthesis (38.6%). Fractures were present in 28.1% of cases. Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) were the leading cause of injury (56.1%), with nearly half resulting in severe or very severe outcomes. Notably, while falls accounted for only 10.5% of cases, they demonstrated the highest proportional severity, with 66.6% classified as severe or very severe. Conclusion High-energy trauma, particularly RTAs and falls, are the primary drivers of severe cervical spine injuries in Sokoto State, predominantly affecting young and middle-aged males. The high prevalence of spinal cord injuries and alignment abnormalities underscores the vital role of MRI in detecting complex patterns missed by conventional imaging. These findings highlight a critical need for robust injury prevention strategies and standardized MRI protocols to improve patient outcomes in the region.