CT Lumbar Spine

What to Expect From Your CT Lumbar Spine Scan

• Time in scanner: 10–15 minutes
• Comfort: Wide-bore gantry reduces claustrophobia
• Results: Available in 2–4 hours for routine cases, 30 minutes for emergencies
• Safety: Lowest achievable dose protocols

How Cadabams Diagnostics Delivers Precision Imaging

• 128-slice CT with AI-enhanced noise reduction
• Dual-energy modes for metal-artifact reduction (ideal for post-fusion patients)
• 3D volume rendering reviewed by fellowship-trained neuroradiologists
• Direct digital upload to your referring doctor’s portal

Definition and Purpose of the Scan

A CT lumbar spine (computed tomography of the lumbar spine) uses X-rays and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the five lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5), intervertebral discs, spinal canal, and surrounding soft tissues.

Computed Tomography vs Traditional X-Ray

Non-Contrast Lumbar Spine CT

Ideal for fractures, alignment issues, and bone tumors.

CT Myelogram With Contrast

Contrast injected into spinal canal to outline nerve roots—used when MRI is unavailable.

3D Reconstruction Options

• VRT (Volume Rendering Technique) for surgical navigation
• Sagittal & coronal reformats for multi-planar fracture assessment

• Disc height & hydration—early degenerative changes
• Vertebral alignment—spondylolisthesis grading
• Spinal canal diameter—central stenosis severity
• Facet joint integrity—arthritis or hypertrophy
• Pars interarticularis—stress fractures (spondylolysis)

• Investigating lower back pain causes unresponsive to conservative therapy
• Pre-surgical planning for decompression, fusion, or disc replacement
• Trauma evaluation after road traffic or industrial accidents
• Monitoring post-operative hardware (screws, cages, rods)

Common Symptoms That Prompt the Test

• Persistent lower back pain >6 weeks
• Sciatica or shooting leg pain
• Numbness or weakness in legs/feet
• Loss of bladder/bowel control (emergency)
• Unexplained fever with back pain

Referral Criteria From Spine Specialists

Orthopedic, neuro, or pain specialists request a CT lumbar spine when MRI is contraindicated (pacemaker, claustrophobia) or when fine bone detail is required (fracture, fusion planning).

• Quick 10–15 minute procedure—no sedation required
• Detailed bone & soft-tissue visualization—1 mm slice thickness
• Same-day report availability at Cadabams—digital + printed copy
• Cost-effective compared with MRI when bone detail is the priority

• Herniated lumbar discs—migration & compression assessment
• Spinal stenosis—central & foraminal narrowing
• Vertebral fractures—compression, burst, or Chance fractures
• Primary & metastatic tumors—vertebral body or posterior elements
• Infections—discitis, osteomyelitis, epidural abscess

Clothing and Metal Object Guidelines

• Wear cotton gown; remove belts, zippers, jewelry
• Leave coins and keys in locker provided

Fasting Instructions if Contrast Is Used

• 4 hours fasting for solids; clear fluids allowed
• Hydrate well post-scan to flush contrast

Medication Considerations

• Metformin—withhold 48 hours post-contrast if eGFR <45
• Allergy pre-medication—prednisolone & antihistamine if prior reaction

• Doctor’s prescription—mandatory as per AERB norms
• Previous imaging reports—bring MRI/X-ray CDs for correlation
• Pregnancy screening protocol—LMP & beta-hCG if <50 years

• Morning appointments for contrast studies—better fasting compliance
• Same-day slots for emergency trauma—24/7 availability
• Weekend availability at select Cadabams centers—book via app

• Age considerations—pediatric (≥2 yrs) to geriatric (weight-bearing table limit 200 kg)
• Weight limits—220 kg on wide-bore scanners
• Contraindications for contrast—severe iodine allergy, creatinine >2 mg/dL

Step-by-Step Scanning Process

1. Registration & vitals check
2. Contrast screening questionnaire & blood test if needed
3. Positioning—lie supine, arms above head
4. Topogram (scout view)—confirms lumbar region
5. Helical scan—10–15 seconds breath-hold
6. Contrast injection (if ordered)—automated pump, 2–3 ml/sec

Positioning and Breathing Instructions

• Stay still; hold breath on command
• Cushions under knees reduce lumbar lordosis

Post-Procedure Care Guidelines

• Drink 500 ml water post-scan
• Observe 15 minutes if contrast given
• Drive home immediately if non-contrast study

• Inform staff about claustrophobia—open-bore option available
• Contrast dye allergy pre-medication—takes 12 hours; plan accordingly
• Diabetic medication adjustments—restart metformin after kidney function check

Radiation Exposure Considerations

Effective dose: ~3–6 mSv (equal to 6–18 months of natural background). We apply ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) protocols.

Contrast Dye Allergies and Kidney Concerns

• Iodinated contrast risk: 0.04–3% mild reactions
• Serum creatinine checked if >60 years, diabetics, or known kidney disease
• Alternative: non-contrast CT or low-osmolar contrast