Methods

A key word literature search for scientific articles published between January 1, 2015 to August 31, 2018 investigating the use of imaging tools in the diagnosis and management of SCI was conducted using the following online databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Population key words (i.e., spinal cord injury, quadriplegia, hemiplegia, and tetraplegia) and imaging key words (i.e., magnetic resonance imaging, CT, computed tomography, radiograph, x-ray, and imaging) were used. The search was limited to journal articles, reviews, or systematic reviews (excluding case reports) which were published in English, had a minimum sample of three adults (≥18 years) with an SCI. The SCI population within each study must have comprised of at least 50% of the total study population, unless results were stratified. A total of 4762 studies were found that satisfied the search criteria, after the removal of duplicates, animal and pediatric studies, and case reports 34 studies remained. Studies were considered appropriate for inclusion in this chapter if the majority of participants were within 3 months post-SCI. Articles were then further subdivided into groups based on the imaging technique used.