CT LUMBAR SPINE

A CT Lumbar Spine scan is a vital diagnostic tool used to investigate the complex structures of your lower back. If you're experiencing persistent back pain, sciatica, or have recently suffered an injury, your doctor may recommend this fast, detailed, and non-invasive imaging test. At Cadabam's diagnostics, we use advanced technology to provide your physician with clear, cross-sectional images of the bones, discs, and tissues in your lumbar region, helping to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CT Lumbar Spine scan, from what it is and why you might need one, to how you can prepare for your appointment.

What is a CT Lumbar Spine Scan?

A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a sophisticated imaging procedure that combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body with advanced computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images, or "slices."

Specifically, a CT Lumbar Spine scan focuses on the lower part of your back. A specialized X-ray machine rotates around you, capturing precise images of the five lumbar vertebrae (known as L1 to L5), the shock-absorbing intervertebral discs between them, the spinal canal that houses your nerves, and the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. The computer then assembles these individual images into highly detailed 2D and 3D views, giving your doctor a much clearer picture than a standard X-ray can provide.

Types of CT Lumbar Spine Scan

Depending on the specific information your doctor needs, there are a few variations of the scan.

Without Contrast

This is the standard and most common type of CT Lumbar Spine scan. It does not require any injections and is excellent for providing clear images of bone structures. It is highly effective for identifying fractures, evaluating spinal alignment, and assessing age-related degenerative changes like arthritis.

With Contrast

For this type of scan, an iodine-based contrast material is injected into a vein in your arm before the imaging begins. This dye travels through your bloodstream and helps to highlight blood vessels and certain types of tissue more clearly. A scan with contrast is often used when there is a suspicion of inflammation, active infection, or a tumour, as these areas tend to have an increased blood supply.

CT Myelogram Lumbar Spine

A CT Myelogram Lumbar Spine is a more specialized and detailed procedure. It involves injecting the contrast dye directly into the space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots (the thecal sac). This provides a highly detailed outline of the spinal cord and nerves, making it exceptionally effective for identifying areas of compression from herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis that may not be fully clear on a standard CT or MRI.

When our radiologists analyze your scan, they meticulously evaluate several key parameters to understand what a lumbar CT scan shows. These include:

• Vertebral Alignment: Assessing whether the vertebrae are stacked correctly or if one has slipped forward over another (a condition called spondylolisthesis).
• Bone Integrity: Closely inspecting the vertebrae for any signs of acute fractures from an injury, stress fractures, bone tumours, or degenerative changes like osteoarthritis (spondylosis).
• Spinal Canal Dimensions: Measuring the space within the spinal canal to check for narrowing, known as spinal stenosis. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Disc Space: Evaluating the height and integrity of the intervertebral discs. The scan can show disc herniations or bulges, where the disc material pushes out and potentially presses on adjacent nerve roots.
• Post-Surgical Changes: For patients who have had prior back surgery, the scan is used to check the position and integrity of surgical hardware like screws, plates, or rods and to assess the success of a spinal fusion.

There are many clear clinical reasons why this scan is a crucial diagnostic step:

• To investigate the source of chronic or acute lower back pain that has not responded to initial treatments.
• To accurately diagnose the cause of sciatica and other symptoms of radiculopathy (radiating leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness).
• To thoroughly evaluate the lumbar spine after a significant injury, such as from a car accident or a serious fall.
• To assist surgeons in planning for spinal surgery by providing a detailed anatomical map.
• To evaluate the results of a previous spinal operation.
• To detect and characterize potential tumours, cysts, infections, or other abnormalities affecting the vertebrae or surrounding tissues.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Lumbar Spine Scan?

Your doctor may recommend this scan if you are experiencing specific symptoms or conditions. It is commonly ordered for:

• Patients with Persistent or Severe Lower Back Pain: When back pain doesn't resolve with conservative treatment or is severe enough to interfere with daily life, a CT scan can help identify the underlying structural cause.
• Individuals with Symptoms of Nerve Compression: This includes conditions like sciatica, which is characterized by pain that radiates from the lower back down one or both legs. Other signs of nerve issues include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet.
• Patients Who Have Experienced Trauma: Following a significant fall, car accident, or other injury to the lower back, a CT scan is the best method for quickly and accurately detecting fractures or other damage to the vertebrae.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Opting for a CT Lumbar Spine scan at Cadabam's diagnostics offers several key advantages for your diagnostic journey:

• Speed and Detail: The scan is very fast, often taking only a few minutes, which is crucial in trauma situations. It provides exceptionally detailed images of the bones in your lower back.
• Diagnostic Accuracy: It helps your doctor pinpoint the exact structural cause of your pain or neurological symptoms, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
• Treatment Guidance: The precise images are invaluable for guiding therapeutic injections and for surgical planning.
• Non-Invasive: Aside from a potential contrast injection, the procedure itself is painless and non-invasive.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Lumbar Spine

This powerful imaging tool is central to diagnosing a wide range of conditions affecting the lower back. A CT Lumbar Spine scan clearly shows issues such as:

• Herniated or Bulging Discs: When the soft inner part of a disc pushes through its tougher exterior.
• Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress nerves.
• Fractures: Including acute breaks from trauma or compression fractures often associated with osteoporosis.
• Spondylosis: Age-related wear and tear of the spine, including osteoarthritis.
• Spondylolisthesis: The slipping of one vertebra over the one below it.
• Bone Tumours or Infections (Osteomyelitis): Abnormal growths or infections within the vertebral bones.
• Arthritis of the Spine: Specifically, identifying bone spurs and joint degeneration in the facet joints of the spine.

For more information on these conditions, you can read our guide.

Preparation for your scan is simple and straightforward.

Diet

For a scan without contrast, there are typically no dietary restrictions. You can eat and drink as usual. If your scan requires contrast dye, our staff will instruct you to fast from food for a few hours before your appointment. You can usually continue to drink clear liquids.

Clothing

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing for your appointment. It's best to choose outfits without metal zippers, buttons, snaps, or metallic threads, as metal can interfere with the images. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

Valuables

We recommend leaving jewellery, watches, and other metal objects at home or removing them before the scan. You will be asked to remove any piercings, belts, or eyeglasses.

Pre-requisites

• Doctor's Referral: A referral from your physician is typically required to schedule a CT scan.
• Prior Imaging: If you have had previous X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans of your back, please bring the reports and images with you. This allows our radiologist to compare findings and track any changes over time.
• Medical History: It is crucial to inform our scheduling staff and the technologist about your complete medical history. This includes any kidney problems, previous allergic reactions, or a history of diabetes.

Best Time to Take the CT Lumbar Spine Scan

There is no "best" time of day to have a CT Lumbar Spine scan. The test can be performed at any time. Appointments are scheduled based on the availability of the CT scanner and what is most convenient for you.

Eligibility

• A CT Lumbar Spine scan is suitable for most adults.
• Pregnancy: The scan is used with caution in patients who are or might be pregnant due to the radiation involved. An MRI is often a preferred alternative. Please inform your doctor and our staff immediately if there is any chance you could be pregnant.
• Kidney Function: Patients with significantly impaired kidney function may not be eligible for a scan with contrast dye, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering the dye from the body. Blood tests may be required to check your kidney function beforehand.

Lumbar Spine CT Scan Procedure

Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable on the day of your test. Here is a step-by-step overview of the lumbar spine CT scan procedure:

1. Check-In and Preparation: You will check in at the reception desk at Cadabam's diagnostics. A technologist will greet you, confirm your details, and explain the procedure. You may be asked to change into a gown. If your scan requires contrast, an IV line will be placed in your arm.
2. Positioning: You will be asked to lie down on a narrow, motorized table that will slide into the CT scanner. For a lumbar spine scan, you will likely be on your back with your arms resting above your head.
3. Scanning: The table will slowly slide into the center of the large, doughnut-shaped scanner. The machine is open at both ends, so you will not be fully enclosed. The X-ray apparatus will quietly rotate around your lower back as it captures the images.
4. Staying Still: It is very important to remain as still as possible during the scan to ensure the images are clear and free of motion blur. The technologist will communicate with you through an intercom and may give you instructions, such as holding your breath for a few seconds.
5. Completion: The entire imaging process is quick, typically taking only 10-15 minutes. Once the images are captured, the table will slide out of the scanner, and the technologist will help you up.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, it's essential to inform the technologist before your scan if you:

• Are or might be pregnant.
• Have any allergies, especially to iodine, shellfish, or previous CT contrast materials.
• Have a history of kidney disease, kidney failure, or diabetes.
• Are taking Metformin (e.g., Glucophage) for diabetes, as you may need to temporarily stop taking it after receiving contrast dye.