Objective To explore the MRI signal characteristics and clinical application value of thoracolumbar compressible fractures. Methods A total of 69 cases of patients with thoracolumbar compressible fractures admitted by our hospital from July 2014 to January 2017 were selected. Clinical data and imaging data of patients were collected, and the MRI signal characteristics of thoracolumbar compressible fractures were summarized, and the application value of MRI in the examination of thoracolumbar compressible fractures was analyzed. Results Among 86 injured vertebral bodies, 49 (56.97%) vertebral bodies of compression fractures showed varying degrees of vertebral body flattening, and 37 (43.02%) showed wedge changes. In non -enhanced MRI scan, 37 (43.02%) vertebral bodies showed prominent position in front and back edge upper and lower angles, and normal bone marrow signals were still seen in most patients' vertebral bodies, and hematoma formation occurred in the vertebral canal or side of vertebral bodies at the corresponding level in 4 (4.65%) vertebral bodies. Anterior longitudinal ligament rupture occurred in 29 cases (42.02%), posterior longitudinal ligament rupture in 19 cases (27.53%), interspinous ligament and supraspinal ligament rupture in 21 cases (30.4%) and intervertebral disc injury in 17 cases (24.63%). Low signal band was found in 47 (54.65%) vertebral body T1WI, high signal in 11 (12.79%) vertebral body T2WI, significantly high signal in 21 (24.41%) vertebral body T2WI fat inhibition sequence, 12 (13.95%) vertebral bodies were concentrated in the anterior central region, and linear water-like signal was found，16 (18.60%) spinal cord, cone and cauda equina nerve injury signal changes were observed in 16 vertebral bodies. Conclusion MRI can display the signal characteristics of thoracolumbar vertebral compressible fracture clearly, and improve the reliable imaging data for the later treatment.