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A CT scan is typically performed after radiographic contrast media (dye) has been placed with fluoroscopic guidance into a sac-like lining (the first- and hardest and outermost- layer of the spinal meninges, the spinal dura mater) surrounding the spinal cord and nerves. The material is typically water-soluble, which has largely replaced ...
Quantitative CT scans are primarily used to evaluate bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and hip. In general, solid phantoms placed in a pad under the patient during CT image acquisition are used for calibration. These phantoms contain materials that represent a number of different equivalent bone mineral densities.
A computed tomography scan (CT scan), formerly called computed axial tomography scan (CAT scan), is a medical imaging technique used to obtain detailed internal images of the body. [2] The personnel that perform CT scans are called radiographers or radiology technologists.
Once imaging is deemed necessary, a combination of plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging may be used. Images are most often taken of the lumbar spine due to spondylolisthesis most commonly involving the lumbar region. [7]
Whole-body radiograph of a major trauma case (where, however, full-body CT scan is usually preferable), showing bilateral femur fractures. [16] The spine (that is, the vertebral column. A projectional radiograph of the spine confers an effective dose of approximately 1.5 mSv, comparable to a background radiation equivalent time of 6 months.
CT scan image of large herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Removal of a disc at one level can lead to disc herniation at a different level at a later time. Even the most complete surgical excision of the disc still leaves 30–40% of the disc, which cannot be safely removed. This retained disc can re-herniate sometime after surgery.
Bone scans are conducted to rule out possible fractures and infections, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to eliminate the possibility of the spinal cord or nerve abnormalities, and computed tomography scans (CT scans) are used to get a more detailed image of the bones, muscles, and organs of the lumbar region. [19]
Radionuclide cisternography may be used to diagnose a spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak. CSF pressure is measured and imaged over 24 hours. [2] A radionuclide (radioisotope) is injected by lumbar puncture (spinal tap) into the cerebral spinal fluid to determine if there is abnormal CSF flow within the brain and spinal canal which can be altered by hydrocephalus, Arnold–Chiari malformation ...