CT LUMBAR SPINE

Also Known As

Lab Test

₹5500

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About The Test

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

2. What Is CT Scan Lumbar Spine?

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
| Feature | CT Lumbar Spine | X-Ray Lumbar Spine |
|---------|-----------------|--------------------|
| Image planes | 360° cross-sections | 2-D only |
| Soft-tissue detail | Excellent | Limited |
| Time | 10 min | 5 min |
| Radiation | Slightly higher | Lower |

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

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).

List of Parameters

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)

Why This Test

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)

When to Take Test

Benefits

Benefits of Taking the Test

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

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Lumbar Spine

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

Preparing for test

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

11. Pre-Requisites

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

12. Best Time to Take the CT Scan Lumbar Spine

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

13. Eligibility

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

14. Procedure for Taking a CT Scan Lumbar Spine

Step-by-Step Scanning Process

Registration & vitals check
Contrast screening questionnaire & blood test if needed
Positioning—lie supine, arms above head
**Topogram (scout view)**—confirms lumbar region
Helical scan—10–15 seconds breath-hold
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

15. Caution Before Taking the Test

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

Test Results

Results and Interpretation

Finding / Observation	Description	General Interpretation / Significance
Normal scan	No fractures, disc herniations, spinal canal narrowing, or soft-tissue abnormalities detected. Vertebral alignment is preserved.	No evidence of pathology. Suggests symptoms may have non-structural or non-urgent causes; clinical correlation recommended.
Degenerative disc disease	Reduced intervertebral disc height, mild osteophyte formation, facet joint hypertrophy.	Common age-related changes. May correlate with chronic low back pain; conservative management often sufficient unless severe.
Lumbar disc herniation	Focal protrusion of disc material compressing the adjacent nerve root.	Explains sciatica or radicular symptoms. May require conservative therapy, injections, or, if severe, surgical referral.
Vertebral compression fracture	Loss of vertebral height, typically at one level, often with trabecular disruption.	Suggests osteoporosis or trauma. May require further evaluation (e.g., bone density test) and possible intervention (bracing, vertebroplasty).

Risks & Limitations

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

5. Types of CT Scan Lumbar Spine

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

FAQs

Does a CT lumbar spine scan hurt?

No. You lie still on a padded table for ~10 minutes. Only an IV prick if contrast is used.

How is it different from an MRI lumbar spine?

CT excels at bone detail and is faster; MRI gives superior soft-tissue contrast and avoids radiation.

What should I wear?

Loose, metal-free clothing. We provide a gown if needed.

What is the cost of a CT scan for the lower back?

The cost of a CT scan for the lower back can vary depending on factors such as whether contrast material is used. We are committed to transparent pricing. Please contact Cadabam's diagnostics directly or visit our online pricing page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Is an MRI or CT better for lower back pain?

The choice between an MRI and a CT scan depends entirely on the suspected cause of your back pain. A CT lumbar spine scan is superior for evaluating bone issues, complex fractures, and spinal alignment, and is very fast in trauma settings. An [Link to: MRI Lumbar Spine] is generally preferred for getting highly detailed views of soft tissues, such as discs, nerves, ligaments, and the spinal cord itself. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate test based on your specific symptoms and clinical examination.