SPECT in avulsion injury of the multifidus and rotator muscles of the lumbar region

A 37-year-old man was investigated for a work-related back injury with plain radiography, CT scan, bone scintigraphy, and SPECT. SPECT was able to demonstrate multiple sites of increased isotope uptake not seen on plain radiographs, CT scan, or planar images. Consequently, the diagnosis of avulsion injury of the multifidus and rotator muscles of the lumbar region was made. SPECT appears to have a role in the specific diagnosis of work-related back injuries