CT SCAN OF WHOLE SPINE

CT scan of Whole Spine Overview

Introduction 

CT scan of the Whole Spine is a sophisticated imaging technique that offers detailed cross-sectional and 3D visualization of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions of the spine. It is useful in the assessment of spinal injuries, degenerative changes, neoplasms, infections, and congenital anomalies. It is necessary in both emergency and elective cases for complete assessment of the spine.  

What is a Whole Spine CT Scan? 

A Whole Spine CT Scan captures the bony structures of the spine using rotating x-ray beams and advanced computer systems. A single scan encompasses the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions of the spine, providing evaluative measurements of vertebrae, intervertebral disc spaces, and spinal alignment.

Parameters Considered

• Vertebrae malalignment and fractures.  
• Degenerative disc disease.  
• Bone tumours and other forms of bone lesions.  
• Spinal canal stenosis.  
• Evaluation of surgical implants or fusion.  

Reasons for the Test

• Identification of vertebrae fractures or other forms of instability.  
• Identification spinal tumours, infections or lesions.  
• Planning various surgeries of the spine such as fusion or decompression.  
• Evaluation of scoliosis or kyphosis.  
• Monitoring post-surgery.  

When and Who Needs This Scan? 

Indications: 

• Suspected or known spinal trauma.  
• Back or neck pain that is persistent.  
• Follow-up post-surgery with instrumentation of the spine.  
• Investigating spinal tumours or other infections.  
• Spinal deformities from birth or due to degeneration.  

Patient Demographics: 

• Patients with recent injuries to the spine.  
• Sufferers of acute and chronic spinal pain.  
• Patients who have undergone spinal surgery.  
• Oncology patients for metastatic disease.  
• Children with suspected congenital anomalies of the spine.  

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Visualization of spinal bones in pictures of medical imaging. 
• Quick and easy without any harm.  
• Complete examination in one scan without sections of the spine missing. 
• Used during emergency trauma situations. 
• Precise for surgical evaluation and planning. 

Conditions Diagnosed

• Trauma and fractures of the spine. 
• Spondylosis and herniated disc disease. 
• Tumours and spinal metastasis. 
• Osteomyelitis and discitis (discal infection).  
• Scoliosis, kyphosis and other complex spinal deformities.  
• Complicated post-surgical disc replacement as in loosening of hardware. 

Preparation

• Soft and non-restrictive clothing without any metallic objects. 
• Inform of any past surgeries on the spine and associated metal implants. 
• If a contrast is to be used, then fasting would be required.  

Pre-requisites 

• Note from other doctors/hospital visits. 
• Serum creatinine level if contrast is to be used. 
• Check for history of allergies to the contrast used.  

Best Time to Take the Scan 

• Based on the need of medical treatment. 
• After any surgery or admission, early hours are more preferable than later during the day. 

Eligibility: 

• Most patients are fine to undergo this. 
• Those who are pregnant and have chronic kidney disease need to be more cautious.  

Procedure 

• On the CT examination table, the patients lie down in a supine position on their backs. 
• They are positioned to optimize scanning from the neck down to the sacrum. 
• Scanning is performed CT-like layer by layer.  
• If required, intravenous contrast may be given.  
• The entire scan takes around twenty minutes at most.  

Caution 

• During the scan, remain still. 
• Report any allergies, pregnancy status, and metal implants to the technician. 
• There is a possibility of mild temporary side effects from using contrast.