Ct scan of the spine

ACT scanof the spine is done to:

• Look at the bones of the spine (vertebrae).
• Find problems of the spine, such as tumors, fractures, deformities, infection, or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
• Find aherniated discof the spine.
• Check to see ifosteoporosishas causedcompression fractures.
• Check on problems of the spine that have been present since birth (congenital).
• Look at problems seen during a standard X-ray test.
• Check how well spinal surgery or therapy is working for a spine problem.

• You may have contrast material (dye) put into your arm through a tube called an I.V.
• You will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner.
• The table will slide into the round opening of the scanner. The table will move during the scan. The scanner will move inside the doughnut-shaped casing around your body.
• You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
• You may be alone in the scanning room. But a technologist will watch you through a window and talk with you during the test.

In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.

Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure you have someone to take you home.

Complete results usually are ready for your doctor in 1 to 2 days.

Normal:

• Spinal bones (vertebrae) are normal in shape, number, and alignment.
• The discs and joints that support the spine are normal.
• The spinal canal is normal in size and shape.
• Ifcontrast materialis used, it flows evenly through the spinal canal. No narrowing or blockage of the spinal canal is present.
• None of the nerves leaving the spinal cord are compressed or pinched. No growths or bulges are present.

Abnormal:

• Spinal bones (vertebrae) are missing, damaged, or out of alignment.
• One or more discs may be damaged. One or moreherniated discsare found.
• The flow of contrast material through the spinal canal is restricted or blocked, which may mean narrowing of the canal (spinal stenosis).
• The vertebrae show signs ofarthritisor bone problems caused byosteoporosis.
• A condition that has been present from birth (congenital) is present in the spine or the vertebrae.
• Anabscessorspinal tumoris found.