Lumbar spine CT scan

You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. Modern "spiral" scanners can perform the exam without stopping. A computer creates separate images of the spine area, called slices. These images can…

Some exams use a special dye, called contrast that is put into your body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays. Contrast can be given in different ways. It may be given through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm. It may be given as an injection into the space around the…

Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table. Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning feeling, a metal taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These feelings are normal and go away in a few seconds.

CT scans rapidly makes detailed pictures of the lower back. The test may be used to look for: Birth defects of the cervical spine in children Spine problems, when a spine MRI cannot be used Injury to the upper spine Bone tumors or cancers Fracture of a spine bone Disk herniations and compression of the spinal cord…

Results are considered normal if no problems are seen in the lumbar region in the images.

Abnormal results may be due to: Degenerative changes due to age Birth defects of the spine Bone problems Fracture of a spine bone Lumbar disk herniation Lumbar spinal stenosis Spondylolisthesis Healing or growth of scar tissue after surgery

Risks of CT scans include: Being exposed to radiation Allergic reaction to contrast dye Birth defect if done during pregnancy CT scans expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. Talk to your…

The lumbar CT scan is good for evaluating large herniated disks, but it can miss smaller ones. This test can be combined with a myelogram to get a better image of the nerve roots and pick up smaller injuries.

Grawboski T, Gilbert TM, Larson EP, Cornett CA. Degenerative conditions of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 130. Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal…