Spine Computer Tomography

Computed tomography of the spine (synonyms: spinal CT; CT spine) refers to a radiologic examination procedure in which the spine is examined using computed tomography (CT).

Indications (areas of application)

  • Degenerative or inflammatory changes of the spine.
  • Tumors in the area of the spine and spinal cord, e.g., metastases (daughter tumors of tumors)
  • Nucleus propulsus prolapse (herniated disc).
  • Traumatic (accidental) changes (fractures/bone fractures).

The procedure

Computed tomography is one of the non-invasive, that is, not penetrating into the body, imaging X-ray diagnostic procedures. The body or the body part to be examined is imaged layer by layer with a rapidly rotating X-ray tube. A computer measures the attenuation of the X-rays as they pass through the body and uses this to determine a detailed image of the part of the body being examined.The principle of CT (computed tomography) is to show the differences in density of different tissues. For example, water has a different density than air or bone, which is expressed in different shades of gray. For even better differentiation of the tissue types, the patient can also be administered a contrast medium. This is contrast medium containing iodine. Healthy tissue absorbs contrast medium at a different rate than diseased tissue such as cancer. With the most modern equipment, the examination takes only a few minutes, i.e. the scanning process only a few seconds, so that the patient can hold his breath during the examination and movement artifacts are impossible.The examination is performed in a lying position. The latest devices use the multislice method, i.e. several slices are taken at the same time. Modern examination devices use a 64-slice method, i.e. 64 slices are taken at the same time. This method can be compared to a Rettig, which is cut in a spiral shape. Modern devices also work with a so-called low-dose technique, i.e. only 50% of the radiation is required to produce these precise images with a layer thickness of up to 0.4 mm. New reconstruction algorithms (reconstruction calculation methods) make this precision possible.Computed tomography of the spine is now routinely used for many indications, as it is a fast and very informative diagnostic procedure.