This case illustrates the different roles that different imaging modalities play.  The CT is useful in identifying bony injuries and other possible injuries (bleeds, abdominal trauma).  However to properly evaluate the injury to the spinal cord and other soft tissues, MRI is the best modality.

This young man had spinal cord compression and underwent emergency neurosurgical decompression.

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Thanks to Dr Ian Bickle for contributing this case and his further discussion about different spinal fractures (original entry here).