Computerized tomography of the spine

CT of the spine is a modern layer-by-layer examination of the human body. It is based on computer measurement and processing of the difference in attenuation of X-ray radiation by tissues of different densities.

Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to examine the organ from different angles. CT is based on a special X-ray computed tomograph. It scans the human body and allows you to get a detailed picture.

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Indications for CT of the spine

Indications for CT of the spine are varied. Most often, the procedure is performed to identify its injuries, as well as to diagnose the cause of back pain, including intervertebral disc herniation.

In addition, it allows you to assess the condition of the spine before and after surgery. It is possible to identify various types of tumors of the spinal column, including metastatic tumors. Some types of neoplasms are capable of giving distant metastases specifically to the bone tissue of the vertebrae.

CT can detect the presence of intervertebral disc herniation, assess bone density, and predict possible vertebral compression fractures, especially in patients with osteoporosis.

The procedure is also performed for diagnostic purposes. For example, during a biopsy of a suspicious area or removal of fluid from an abscess. Tomography is also indicated for people with narrowing of the spinal canal, vertebral fractures, infectious and inflammatory or degenerative diseases such as arthritis. In this case, a CT scan of the spine will provide a detailed picture of the disease.

MRI or CT scan of the spine?

For a long time, people have been arguing about what is better: MRI or CT of the spine. The main difference between these procedures is in the different physical phenomena used in the devices. For CT, this is X-ray radiation, thanks to which you can get an idea of the physical state of the substance. MRI allows you to get acquainted with the data of hydrogen atoms, that is, the chemical structure of tissues.

MRI is more informative in case of intolerance to the radiopaque substance, which is introduced during CT. It allows to learn more information in case of brain tumor, inflammation of brain tissue, stroke, multiple sclerosis. In addition, it is prescribed for cancer staging.

CT, in turn, shows more information in case of intracranial hematomas, brain injuries, brain tumors, lesions of the bones of the skull base, paranasal sinuses and temporal bones. It is used in case of aneurysms, atherosclerosis, sinusitis, otitis, spinal diseases, lung cancer, tuberculosis, etc. The procedure is especially sensitive for recognizing interstitial changes in lung tissue, fibrosis and for searching for peripheral lung cancer at the preclinical stage.

In fact, each of these procedures is effective in its own way. It is difficult to single out one of them. Usually, preference is given to one or another procedure depending on the existing problem. CT of the spine allows to show a more complete picture of what is happening than MRI.

How is a CT scan of the spine performed?

Do you know how a CT scan of the spine is performed? The patient must lie down on a special table. During the examination, he gradually enters the cylindrical chamber of the device. Here, the X-ray emitter and sensor are located. In order to obtain a layer-by-layer section of tissues and organs, these "components" create an arc around the patient. When one layer is obtained, the table moves slightly and thus allows another section to be made. The information obtained is immediately sent to the computer, where it is processed and summed up with other images. The end result is a complete picture of a layer of a particular organ at a certain depth.

It is important that the patient remains still during the examination. If the person is too excited, sedatives are administered.

When using CT contrast, it is gently injected into the patient's vein. In addition, CT can be performed after a test called myelography, where a radiopaque substance is injected into the spaces of the spinal canal. This procedure can detect tumors or identify areas of inflammation or compression of nerve roots.

Sometimes the patient is asked to hold their breath. This will allow a clearer picture to be obtained. Some people suffer from claustrophobia. Therefore, they are prescribed sedatives before the procedure. On average, a CT scan of the spine lasts 30 minutes.

CT diagnostics of the spine

CT diagnostics of the spine allows to obtain complete information. Moreover, in this case we are talking about both the smallest details and serious changes in bone tissue.

This procedure allows us to identify the location and structural features of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, vertebral joints, accurately determine the diameter of the spinal canal, its shape, filling, symmetry, identify spinal canal stenosis, etc.

There are certain indications for which this procedure should be performed. Thus, CT allows us to assess the quality of bone tissue, its rarefaction, defects, proliferation of cartilaginous tissue, degeneration of intervertebral discs. Tomography diagnoses injuries, curvatures of the spine, displacement of vertebrae, infectious lesions and abscesses, congenital anomalies and tumor growths.

On average, diagnostics do not take more than 5 minutes and special preparation for such a procedure is not required. CT of the spine can be performed in seriously ill patients, on an outpatient and inpatient basis.

A person does not experience any sensations during the procedure. There are also no serious complications after it. Therefore, there are no special contraindications to the procedure, with the exception of excess weight and pregnancy. With special caution, CT of the spine is used in the presence of diabetes, severe kidney disease, and possible allergic reactions.

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CT scan of the cervical spine

CT scan of the cervical spine allows obtaining transverse layer-by-layer images of the spine, as well as identifying minor differences in the density of normal and pathologically altered tissues.

Often, it is this section of the spine that is subject to degenerative-dystrophic processes. There are even several varieties of this phenomenon. These are hernias, protusions, and a combination of these two phenomena together.

The study of this procedure is intended to study the structure and diagnose diseases of the spinal column at the level of the cervical region. Tomography is very clearly able to show the condition of the bodies and processes of the spinal canal, the spinal cord, and somewhat worse visualizes the intervertebral discs and ligaments. Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to determine fractures, tumors, hematomas and other pathologies.

Typically, CT of the cervical spine is performed in cases of malignant tumors, hernias, developmental anomalies of the vertebrae, osteoporosis, hemorrhage in the spinal cord, headaches, etc.

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CT scan of the thoracic spine

CT of the thoracic spine is performed when there are positive radiographic data that allow us to suspect a lung tumor in the patient. In addition, it is also used for neoplasms of the pleura, chest wall and mediastinum.

Widely used when metastatic lung lesions are suspected. CT is also used to diagnose lymph nodes. It is also used to clarify the prevalence, localization and nature of inflammatory organs of the chest in difficult diagnostic cases.

In addition, the procedure is also carried out to assess the volume and nature of traumatic changes and to identify foreign bodies in the lungs and mediastinum. In general, the need for such a study should be confirmed by a doctor. After all, there are contraindications. Although they are not persistent, they can nevertheless entail unpleasant consequences. CT of the spine is one of the most common procedures today, which allows you to see all developmental anomalies and pathologies.

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CT scan of the lumbar spine

During CT of the lumbar spine, irradiation with a beam of X-rays is performed. This allows for a layer-by-layer image of the tissues and, thanks to this, pathological changes to be identified. This diagnostic method allows for an excellent view of bone tissue and is one of the most accurate. On enlarged images, it is possible to examine individual bone beams.

The results of tomography allow us to draw a conclusion about the presence of degenerative, inflammatory and destructive processes, as well as developmental anomalies and circulatory disorders and tumors.

CT scanning is suitable for studying the spinal column. However, this technique cannot detect soft tissue diseases of the back well. Dense tissues reflect X-rays, but they pass through any hollow structures without hindrance, so dense tissues appear as white dark areas on the images, and hollow structures as dark areas of enlightenment. CT is usually prescribed to diagnose diseases of the spinal column itself.

Tomography is in many cases the best method for detecting spinal diseases. It is more accurate because it is possible to obtain layer-by-layer images. CT of the lumbar spine allows you to detect such diseases as developmental anomalies in the lumbosacral spine, benign and malignant tumors, back injuries, destructive processes in the vertebrae, etc. With CT of the spine, the radiation dose is small, so there are no special contraindications for its implementation.

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CT scan of the lumbosacral spine

CT of the lumbosacral spine shows the condition of the bone tissue of the vertebrae. In addition, thanks to this procedure, it is possible to see the lumen of the spinal canal, the structure of the terminal part of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

To a slightly worse degree, the procedure shows disorders of the ligamentous apparatus and intervertebral discs. Thanks to it, it is possible to identify inflammation, destruction, injuries and neoplasms of all the above structures. That is why this procedure is prescribed to clarify X-ray data in case of an unclear or doubtful diagnosis. Which allows you to really look at the situation from a different angle.

CT scan of the lumbosacral spine is prescribed for spinal fractures, malignant and benign tumors, osteochondrosis, spondylosis, vertebral instability, spinal damage in rheumatic diseases, spinal stenosis and hemorrhage in the spinal cord.

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CT scan of the spine with contrast

CT of the spine with contrast involves the introduction of a special substance into the human body. This procedure is used in rare cases, it allows for better visualization of the necessary structures. Usually, iodine-based agents are used as a substance. Naturally, people who are intolerant to this component should not use this procedure under any circumstances.

The selected drug is injected into a vein and accumulates in the tissues, thus improving visualization on images. The drug penetrates richly supplied organs and tissues especially well. Therefore, the procedure is often used to detect pathological foci with increased blood flow. Usually, these are areas of inflammation, as well as malignant neoplasms.

There is no need to worry about the contrast itself, it is completely eliminated from the human body in 1-1.5 days. It does not pose any danger, but only to people who have a normal reaction to iodine. CT of the spine, with contrast, is a very popular procedure.

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Contraindications for CT of the spine

There are also contraindications to CT of the spine. First of all, this is pregnancy. During this period, a woman's body should not be exposed to X-rays. The procedure cannot be used by people who are intolerant to drugs containing iodine. This is usually done for studies with contrast enhancement.

Particular emphasis is placed on obese and large people. This does not pose any danger to their body, it is just unlikely that a person will fit into the CT machine. There are other limitations, so this method should not be used if it is necessary to obtain a more detailed image of the spinal cord. In this case, this will not be possible. Therefore, it will be necessary to resort to magnetic resonance imaging.

More detailed information regarding this procedure can be obtained from the clinic where it will be performed. CT of the spine allows you to see all the deviations and make a decision on eliminating the problem that has arisen.

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Interpretation of CT scan results of the spine

The interpretation of the results of a CT scan of the spine is carried out exclusively by a specialist. It is almost impossible to independently understand what is being discussed.

The results of the examination are given to the patient immediately after its completion. As a rule, these are images taken on one or several large-format films, their description. If a person has undergone a three-dimensional tomography, then in addition to this data, he is given a disk.

With the received conclusion, the patient returns to the attending physician, who refers him for this procedure. The specialist examines the received images, studies them, reads the description and makes appropriate conclusions based on this. Thanks to this, it is possible to confirm or refute the presence of a particular disease.

As a rule, the image shows existing pathologies. But it is difficult for a person who does not have the appropriate education to understand this. Therefore, it is impossible to do without a specialist's interpretation. CT of the spine allows you to identify many pathologies and begin their rapid elimination using the latest techniques.

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Where can I get a CT scan of the spine?

Do you know where you can get a CT scan of the spine? This procedure is done in any clinic that has the necessary equipment. It is mainly done in modern medical institutions. Naturally, CT is not such an “old” procedure, so it is not so easy to find in many hospitals.

Usually, patients who want to undergo this procedure go in search of modern clinics. The whole point is that there is new equipment here, which practically does not give any errors. Moreover, the results of the conducted study are not only recorded on the image, but also recorded on a special disk. Such a measure allows you to protect a person from repeating the study, in case of loss of results.

Technologies do not stand still. Today, there are quite a few different complexes and equipment that allow for quick diagnostics. But basically, all this is located in modern clinics. Therefore, CT of the spine is carried out directly in them.

Cost of CT scan of the spine

The price of a CT scan of the spine may vary depending on the clinic and its location. The cost is also affected by the type of procedure. It may be conventional or with the use of a contrast agent, which significantly increases the cost.

The price of a computer tomography also takes into account the objectives of the study. Much depends on the "area" in which the study is being conducted. The volume of work, area and location of the scanning zone also play a major role.

It is also worth remembering that the cost may include additional services. These include: transferring results to a disk, duplicating images, and others. Therefore, it is worth checking the cost with each clinic separately. On average, in Ukraine, the cost of the procedure starts from 400 hryvnia. In the Russian Federation, the price varies from 3 to 10 thousand rubles, depending on the "zone" of the study. In general, CT of the spine can really have different costs, so it is better to check everything with the selected clinic.