Figure 1

Preoperative plain radiography, computed tomography (CT) scan and MRI showed a T12 burst fracture with severe canal compromise (a–e). (a) X-ray of thoracolumbar lateral view. (b) MRI sagittal view of thoracolumbar T2-weighted sequence. (c) MRI sagittal view of thoracolumbar T1-weighted sequence. (d) MRI axial view at injured site. (e) Axial CT scan at injured site. Postoperative CT scan revealed there was still a canal compromise (f).