Computed Tomography (CT) - Spine

What is CT Scanning of the Spine?

CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians
diagnose and treat medical conditions.
CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple
images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can
then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or transferred to a CD.
CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more
details than regular x-ray exams.
Using CT, the bony structure of the spinal vertebrae is clearly and accurately shown by CT scanning, as
are the intervertebral disks and, to some degree, the spinal cord.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Perhaps the most frequent use of spinal CT is to detect—or rule out—spinal column damage in patients
who have been injured.
CT scanning of the spine is also performed to:
evaluate the spine before and after surgery.
detect various types of tumor in the vertebral column, including those that have spread there from
another area of the body. Some tumors that arise elsewhere are first identified by finding deposits
of malignant cells (metastases) in the vertebrae; prostate cancer is an example.
help diagnose spinal pain. One of the most common causes of spinal pain that may be diagnosed
by CT is a herniated intervertebral disk, sometime with CT myelography.
accurately measure bone density in the spine and predict whether vertebral fractures are likely to
occur in patients who are at risk of osteoporosis.
guide diagnostic procedures such as the biopsy of a suspicious area to detect cancer, or the
removal of fluid from a localized infection (abscess).

In patients with narrowing of the spinal canal, vertebral fracture, infection or degenerative disease such
as arthritis, CT of the spine may provide important information when performed alone or in addition to
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

How should I prepare?

Computed Tomography (CT) - Spine Page 1 of 6

Copyright© 2010, RadiologyInfo.org Reviewed Mar-15-2010
 You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear
during the procedure.
Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and should
be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and
removable dental work. Women will be asked to remove bras containing metal underwire.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if a contrast
material will be used in your exam. You should inform your physician of any medications you are
taking and if you have any allergies. If you have a known allergy to contrast material, or "dye," your
doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Also inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, and if you have a history of
heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems. Any of these conditions may
increase the risk of an unusual adverse effect.
Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that
they are pregnant. See the Safety page (www.RadiologyInfo.org/en/safety/) for more information about
pregnancy and x-rays.
If your infant or young child is having a spinal CT, there are measures that can be taken to ensure that
the test will not be a cause of anxiety for either the child or parent.

What does the equipment look like?

The CT scanner is typically a large, box like machine with a hole, or short tunnel, in the center. You
will lie on a narrow examination table that slides into and out of this tunnel. Rotating around you, the
x-ray tube and electronic x-ray detectors are located opposite each other in a ring, called a gantry. The
computer workstation that processes the imaging information is located in a separate room, where the
technologist operates the scanner and monitors your examination.

How does the procedure work?

In many ways CT scanning works very much like other x-ray examinations. X-rays are a form of
radiation—like light or radio waves—that can be directed at the body. Different body parts absorb the
x-rays in varying degrees.
In a conventional x-ray exam, a small burst of radiation is aimed at and passes through the body,
recording an image on photographic film or a special image recording plate. Bones appear white on the
x-ray; soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black.
With CT scanning, numerous x-ray beams and a set of electronic x-ray detectors rotate around you,
measuring the amount of radiation being absorbed throughout your body. At the same time, the
examination table is moving through the scanner, so that the x-ray beam follows a spiral path. A special
computer program processes this large volume of data to create two-dimensional cross-sectional images
of your body, which are then displayed on a monitor. This technique is called helical or spiral CT.
CT imaging is sometimes compared to looking into a loaf of bread by cutting the loaf into thin slices.

Computed Tomography (CT) - Spine Page 2 of 6

Copyright© 2010, RadiologyInfo.org Reviewed Mar-15-2010
 When the image slices are reassembled by computer software, the result is a very detailed
multidimensional view of the body's interior.
Refinements in detector technology allow new CT scanners to obtain multiple slices in a single rotation.
These scanners, called "multislice CT" or "multidetector CT," allow thinner slices to be obtained in a
shorter period of time, resulting in more detail and additional view capabilities.
Modern CT scanners are so fast that they can scan through large sections of the body in just a few
seconds. Such speed is beneficial for all patients but especially children, the elderly and critically ill.
For children, the CT scanner technique will be adjusted to reduce the radiation dose.
For some CT exams, a contrast material is used to enhance visibility in the area of the body being
studied.

How is the procedure performed?

The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back
or possibly on your side or on your stomach. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the
correct position and to hold still during the exam.
For children who cannot hold still for the examination, sedation may be needed. Motion will degrade
the quality of the examination the same way that it affects photographs.
If a contrast material is used, it will be injected through an intravenous line (IV) into an arm vein during
the procedure. A scan of the spine may also be done after injecting contrast material into the spinal
canal (usually well below the bottom of the spinal cord) during a lumbar puncture, also known as a
myelogram. This will help to detect tumors or locate areas of inflammation or nerve compression.
Next, the table will move quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the
scans. Then, the table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed.
You may be asked to hold your breath during the scanning. Any motion, whether breathing or body
movements, can lead to artifacts on the images. This is similar to the blurring seen on a photograph
taken of a moving object.
When the examination is completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist verifies that the
images are of high enough quality for accurate interpretation.
The CT scanning is usually completed within 30 minutes.

What will I experience during and after the procedure?

CT exams are generally painless, fast and easy. With helical CT, the amount of time that the patient
needs to lie still is reduced.
Though the scanning itself causes no pain, there may be some discomfort from having to remain still for
several minutes. If you have a hard time staying still, are claustrophobic or have chronic pain, you may
find a CT exam to be stressful. The technologist or nurse, under the direction of a physician, may offer
you a mild sedative to help you tolerate the CT scanning procedure.

Computed Tomography (CT) - Spine Page 3 of 6

Copyright© 2010, RadiologyInfo.org Reviewed Mar-15-2010
 you a mild sedative to help you tolerate the CT scanning procedure.
If an intravenous contrast material is used, you will feel a slight pin prick when the needle is inserted
into your vein. You may have a warm, flushed sensation during the injection of the contrast materials
and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for a few minutes. Some patients may experience a
sensation like they have to urinate but this subsides quickly.
When you enter the CT scanner, special lights may be used to ensure that you are properly positioned.
With modern CT scanners, you will hear only slight buzzing, clicking and whirring sounds as the CT
scanner revolves around you during the imaging process.
You will be alone in the exam room during the CT scan. However, the technologist will be able to see,
hear and speak with you at all times.
With pediatric patients, a parent may be allowed in the room but will be required to wear a lead apron to
minimize radiation exposure.
After a CT exam, you can return to your normal activities. If you received contrast material, you may be
given special instructions.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

A physician, usually a radiologist with expertise in supervising and interpreting radiology examinations,
will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care physician or the physician who
referred you for the exam, who will discuss the results with you.

What are the benefits vs. risks?

Benefits
Spinal CT scanning is a rapid procedure and offers an accurate evaluation of bone and most soft
tissues. Using the latest equipment, the spine may be displayed in multiple planes and
three-dimensional imaging is an option.
CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same
time.
Unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissue
as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
CT examinations are fast and simple; in emergency cases, they can reveal internal injuries and
bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
CT is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.
CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device of any kind, unlike MRI.
CT imaging provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive
procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspirations of many areas of the body, particularly
the lungs, abdomen, pelvis and bones.

Computed Tomography (CT) - Spine Page 4 of 6

Copyright© 2010, RadiologyInfo.org Reviewed Mar-15-2010
 A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and
surgical biopsy.
No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
X-rays used in CT scans usually have no immediate side effects.

Risks
There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the
benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.
The effective radiation dose from this procedure is about 6 mSv, which is about the same as the
average person receives from background radiation in two years. See the Safety page
(www.RadiologyInfo.org/en/safety/) for more information about radiation dose.
Women should always inform their physician and x-ray or CT technologist if there is any
possibility that they are pregnant. See the Safety page (www.RadiologyInfo.org/en/safety/ ) for
more information about pregnancy and x-rays.
CT scanning is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women unless medically necessary
because of potential risk to the baby.
Nursing mothers should wait for 24 hours after contrast material injection before resuming
breast-feeding.
The risk of serious allergic reaction to contrast materials that contain iodine is extremely rare, and
radiology departments are well-equipped to deal with them.
Because children are more sensitive to radiation, they should have a CT study only if it is
essential for making a diagnosis and should not have repeated CT studies unless absolutely
necessary.

What are the limitations of CT Scanning of the Spine?

A person who is very large may not fit into the opening of a conventional CT scanner or may be over
the weight limit for the moving table which is usually about 450 pounds.
Spinal CT does not consistently show enough detail to properly assess the spinal cord. MRI may be
more suitable than CT for demonstrating injured ligaments, the status of the intervertebral disks and
hematomas in the area of the spine.

Disclaimer

This information is copied from the RadiologyInfo Web site (http://www.radiologyinfo.org) which is dedicated to providing
the highest quality information. To ensure that, each section is reviewed by a physician with expertise in the area presented.
All information contained in the Web site is further reviewed by an ACR (American College of Radiology) - RSNA
(Radiological Society of North America) committee, comprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas.
However, it is not possible to assure that this Web site contains complete, up-to-date information on any particular subject.
Therefore, ACR and RSNA make no representations or warranties about the suitability of this information for use for any
particular purpose. All information is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty.
Please visit the RadiologyInfo Web site at http://www.radiologyinfo.org to view or download the latest information.
Note: Images may be shown for illustrative purposes. Do not attempt to draw conclusions or make diagnoses by comparing
these images to other medical images, particularly your own. Only qualified physicians should interpret images; the

Computed Tomography (CT) - Spine Page 5 of 6

Copyright© 2010, RadiologyInfo.org Reviewed Mar-15-2010
 these images to other medical images, particularly your own. Only qualified physicians should interpret images; the
radiologist is the physician expert trained in medical imaging.

Copyright

This material is copyrighted by either the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), 820 Jorie Boulevard, Oak Brook,
IL 60523-2251 or the American College of Radiology (ACR), 1891 Preston White Drive, Reston, VA 20191-4397.
Commercial reproduction or multiple distribution by any traditional or electronically based reproduction/publication method
is prohibited.
Copyright ® 2010 Radiological Society of North America, Inc.

Computed Tomography (CT) - Spine Page 6 of 6

Copyright© 2010, RadiologyInfo.org Reviewed Mar-15-2010